Immunization on a broad level is started in 1978 from an extended immunization programme (EPI) in India. This programme extended in 1985–86 as a universal immunization programme. This programme got posted in 1986 as a national technical mission. This programme was started against 6 major common preventable diseases as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis and Measles.

This programme was effectively implemented in all districts of the country in 1989 – 90. This programme became part of the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood (CSSM) Programme in 1992 and part of the Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH) in 1997. In some states under this programme, Hepatitis B, Vitamin A, Influenza B, Japanese encephalitis vaccine was also provided to the people.

Polio and Vitamin A are given by oral route and all other vaccines are given by injection. At present DPT and Hepatitis B vaccine is also given alongwith. These services are available at all health institutions and do not require any additional staff for these activities.

The success of this programme may be seen in terms of reducing mortality rate and morbidity rate in children, at present about more than 75% of targeted population covering under this programme. The Government of India started the mission of Indradhanush to achieve the 100% vaccination target in the population. Under the universal immunization programme, the Government of India started a pulse polio programme to eradicate poliomyelitis from India.

Mission Myelitis Indradhanush:

Mission Indradhanush was started by the Government of India on 25 December 2014. Under this programme, vaccination is given for 7 main diseases such as Tuberculosis, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Measles and Hepatitis B to partial or complete unmet children. For this purpose, 4 mega campaigns were organized till June 2015 with a target of complete vaccination of all 5 year age children in the country till 2020. In the first phase of camping, which included 201 districts of state Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan more than 50% children were vaccinated. This programme using the “Catchup” strategy did vaccination of children door to door. This programme got technical assistance from WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and other donor agencies.

Table 6.10: National Immunization Schedule