What The Dip In India’s Childhood Immunisation Numbers Means

In absolute terms, 2.04 million children remained under-vaccinated in 2023, slightly lower than the 2.11 million children in 2019. An expert said that the “slight” drop is a call to intensify efforts.

Childhood Immunisation Trends (2022-2023)

• Coverage Dip: DPT vaccine coverage decreased from 95% in 2022 to 93% in 2023. 
• Comparison with Previous Years: Higher than 87% (2020) and 88% (2022) DPT coverage.
  • Above the 2023 global average of 89%.
• Global Immunisation Status (2023): Immunisation rates stagnated globally. Resulted in 2.7 million additional unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children compared to 2019 levels.
• Significance of DPT Coverage: Used as an indicator for “zero-dose” children (those with no routine immunisation).
• Impact of Stalled Immunisation: Highlights the need for intensified efforts to reach vaccination targets.
• Future Strategies: Emphasis on addressing barriers to immunisation access and uptake.
  • Importance of sustaining high coverage to prevent disease outbreaks.

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DPT Vaccine Coverage

• Zero-Dose Children in India (2023):
  • 1.6 million zero-dose children reported.
  • Increase from 1.1 million in 2022.
  • Decrease from 2.73 million in 2021.
  • Higher than 2019 figures of 1.4 million zero-dose children.
• Coverage of DPT Vaccine Third Dose (2023):
  • 91% coverage in 2023.
  • Represents a two percentage point decrease from 2022.
  • Significantly exceeds the 2023 global average of 84%.
  • Dropped from 91% in 2019 to 85% during the pandemic’s initial years.
• Under-Vaccination Statistics (2023):
  • 2.04 million children classified as under-vaccinated.
  • Slightly lower than 2.11 million in 2019.
• Implications:
• • Need for targeted efforts to address under-vaccination and zero-dose children.
  • Importance of maintaining and improving vaccination coverage rates to prevent disease outbreaks.
  • Highlighting disparities and challenges in achieving universal immunisation coverage in India.

Steps Needed to Imporve Immunisation Numbers

I. Planning and Data Management

1. Data-driven approach:

• Conduct thorough surveys.
• Use GIS mapping.

2. Micro-planning:

• Develop detailed plans for each block and village.
• Identify and address specific local barriers.

3. Monitoring and evaluation:

• Set up a district-level task force for regular review meetings.
• Implement real-time monitoring systems.

II. Outreach and Accessibility

4. Mobile vaccination units:

• Deploy mobile teams to reach remote areas.
• Schedule visits at convenient times.

5. Last-mile connectivity:

• Identify and map hard-to-reach areas.
• Use innovative transportation methods.

6. Seasonal strategies:

• Develop plans for different seasons.
• Arrange for all-weather vehicles and equipment.

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III. Community Engagement and Awareness

7. Collaboration with local leaders:

• Engage with panchayat leaders, religious figures, and community influencers.
• Train them as vaccination ambassadors.

8. Public awareness campaigns:

• Launch multi-channel awareness drives.
• Focus on importance of complete vaccination schedules.

9. Address vaccine hesitancy:

• Create a rapid response team for rumors and misinformation.
• Conduct targeted interventions in high-hesitancy areas.

IV. Special Population Strategies

10. Targeted outreach for migratory populations:

• Coordinate with labor departments.
• Organize camps at work sites and temporary settlements.
• Implement tracking system for follow-up doses.

V. Incentives and Recognition

11. Incentive programs:

• Implement reward system for high-achieving villages.
• Recognize and celebrate successful healthcare workers.

VI. Service Delivery Improvement

12. Improved service delivery:

• Extend immunization center timings.
• Ensure regular vaccine supply and proper cold chain management.
• Train health workers in effective communication.

VII. Technology Integration

13. Technology integration:

• Use SMS reminders for vaccination schedules.
• Implement digital tracking system for each child.

VIII. Inter-departmental Coordination

14. Inter-departmental coordination:

• Work with education department for school-going children.
• Collaborate with women and child development for anganwadi-based interventions.

IX. Special Initiatives

15. Special drives:

• Organize vaccination weeks or months.
• Conduct door-to-door campaigns in low-coverage areas.

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Conclusion

Sustained efforts in planning, outreach, community engagement, and technological integration are crucial to enhance childhood immunisation coverage and mitigate disparities effectively across India.

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