Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The National Immunization Programme (NIP) is one of the most successful public health interventions in India, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases. Launched in 1978, it aims to achieve full immunization coverage for all infants and children against seven vaccine-preventable diseases. The program has evolved over the years, incorporating new vaccines and adapting to changing epidemiological patterns. Understanding the current immunization schedule is vital for healthcare professionals and aspiring civil servants alike, as it forms a cornerstone of child health and national health security.
National Immunization Schedule – A Detailed Overview
The immunization schedule under the NIP is designed to provide comprehensive protection to infants and children. It’s crucial to note that this schedule is subject to periodic revisions based on expert recommendations and disease prevalence. The following details the current schedule (as of late 2023/early 2024 – knowledge cutoff applies):
Vaccinations at Birth
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Protects against tuberculosis.
- OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine): Administered as two drops, protects against polio.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: First dose, protects against Hepatitis B infection.
Vaccinations at 6 Weeks
- OPV: Second dose.
- Pentavalent Vaccine: A combination vaccine protecting against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and Hepatitis B.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: First dose, protects against rotavirus diarrhea.
Vaccinations at 10 Weeks
- OPV: Third dose.
- Pentavalent Vaccine: Second dose.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Second dose.
Vaccinations at 14 Weeks
- OPV: Fourth dose.
- Pentavalent Vaccine: Third dose.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Third dose.
Vaccinations at 9 Months
- Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine: First dose, protects against measles and rubella.
- JE (Japanese Encephalitis) Vaccine: First dose (in JE endemic areas).
Vaccinations at 16-24 Months
- DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) Booster: Booster dose.
- OPV Booster: Booster dose.
- MR Vaccine: Second dose (introduced recently to improve immunity).
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: First dose (introduced in select states/districts).
Vaccinations at 5 Years
- DPT Booster: Second booster dose.
- OPV Booster: Second booster dose.
Recent Additions & Changes: The introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine as a routine immunization, the phased rollout of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) to protect against pneumonia and meningitis, and the inclusion of Hepatitis A vaccine in select areas are significant developments. The Mission Indradhanush scheme, launched in 2014, aims to improve immunization coverage for children who are either not vaccinated or partially vaccinated.
| Age | Vaccine | Disease Protected Against |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | BCG | Tuberculosis |
| Birth | OPV | Polio |
| Birth | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B |
| 6 Weeks | Pentavalent | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hib, Hepatitis B |
| 9 Months | MR | Measles, Rubella |
Conclusion
The National Immunization Programme remains a vital component of India’s public health infrastructure. Continuous monitoring of immunization coverage, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and incorporating new vaccines are crucial for maintaining and improving the health of the nation’s children. Strengthening the supply chain, training healthcare workers, and enhancing community engagement are essential for achieving universal immunization coverage and eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases. The success of NIP hinges on sustained political commitment and effective implementation.
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.