Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Immunization is a cornerstone of public health, significantly reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) in India is designed to provide protection against these diseases from infancy through adulthood. The program, launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI), has evolved over the years, incorporating new vaccines and strategies to enhance coverage and impact. Recently, several newer vaccines have been added to the NIS to address emerging health challenges and improve disease prevention. This answer will detail the current NIS and the immunization schedules for these newer vaccines.
National Immunization Schedule (as of November 2023)
The National Immunization Schedule is periodically updated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The following table outlines the current schedule:
| Age | Vaccine | Route | Frequency | Disease Prevented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | BCG | Intradermal (Right Upper Arm) | Single Dose | Tuberculosis |
| Birth | OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) | Oral | 0, 6, 10, 14 weeks | Polio |
| Birth | Hepatitis B | Intramuscular | 0, 6, 14 weeks | Hepatitis B |
| 6 weeks | DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) | Intramuscular | 3 doses (6, 10, 14 weeks) | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus |
| 6 weeks | IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) | Intramuscular | 2 doses (6 & 14 weeks) | Polio |
| 9 months | Measles-Rubella (MR) | Subcutaneous | 2 doses (9-12 months & 16-24 months) | Measles, Rubella |
| 1 year | Vitamin A | Oral | Every 6 months (up to 5 years) | Vitamin A Deficiency |
| 15-18 months | Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | Intramuscular | 3 doses (6, 14 weeks & booster at 9-12 months) | Pneumococcal Diseases |
| 5 years | DPT Booster | Intramuscular | Single Dose | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus |
| 9-10 years | Td (Tetanus-diphtheria) Booster | Intramuscular | Single Dose | Tetanus, Diphtheria |
Newer Vaccines and their Immunization Schedule
In recent years, several new vaccines have been introduced into the NIS to address specific public health needs. These include:
Rotavirus Vaccine
- Vaccine Type: Live attenuated vaccine
- Schedule: 3 doses – 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.
- Route: Oral
- Disease Prevented: Rotavirus gastroenteritis, a leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants.
Inactivated Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine
- Vaccine Type: Inactivated vaccine
- Schedule: Two doses, 6 months apart, starting at 9 months of age. Administered in JE endemic districts.
- Route: Subcutaneous
- Disease Prevented: Japanese Encephalitis, a viral brain infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Vaccine Type: Recombinant vaccine
- Schedule: Two doses, 6 months apart, for girls aged 9-14 years.
- Route: Intramuscular
- Disease Prevented: Cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
Measles-Rubella Containing Mumps Vaccine (MR-M)
- Vaccine Type: Live attenuated vaccine
- Schedule: Introduced as a replacement for separate measles and rubella vaccines. Two doses – 9-12 months and 16-24 months.
- Route: Subcutaneous
- Disease Prevented: Measles, Rubella, and Mumps.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) – Expanded Coverage
- Vaccine Type: Conjugate vaccine
- Schedule: PCV has been expanded to cover more districts and is now part of the universal immunization program.
- Route: Intramuscular
- Disease Prevented: Pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media.
The introduction of these newer vaccines reflects a commitment to strengthening immunization coverage and protecting children against a wider range of preventable diseases. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the NIS are crucial to ensure its effectiveness and adapt to evolving public health challenges.
Conclusion
The National Immunization Schedule is a dynamic program, constantly evolving to incorporate new scientific advancements and address emerging health threats. The addition of newer vaccines like Rotavirus, JE, HPV, and MR-M demonstrates India’s dedication to improving child health and reducing disease burden. Sustained efforts to enhance vaccine coverage, address vaccine hesitancy, and strengthen surveillance systems are essential for maximizing the impact of the NIS and achieving universal immunization goals.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.