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National Immunization Day 2024: Promoting Vaccination and Saving Lives
We have accomplished significant strides in managing and eliminating dangerous infectious diseases because of the effectiveness of immunization, making it critical to commemorate National Immunization Day to continue this progress and ensure a healthy future for everyone.
National Immunization Day (NID) is marked on March 16 every year. This year 2024, the theme of the event is to promote vaccination and raise awareness about the crucial role of immunization in preventing infectious diseases. The day highlights the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health.
Historical Milestones: Fighting Polio and Beyond
On this day in 1995, the first dose of the oral polio vaccine was administered in India, marking a key milestone in the fight against polio. Vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention against highly contagious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) designates multiple NIDs throughout the year to combat deadly diseases like polio, measles, and tetanus and ultimately eradicate them.
Immunization: A Proven Tool for Preventing and Eliminating Life-threatening Infectious Diseases
Vaccination is crucial for improving public health and life expectancy standards and increasing social and economic effects at the local and national levels. The core objective of NID is to vaccinate as many individuals as possible against specified diseases in a short period of time.
NID campaigns are crucial in reducing the number of cases of fatal diseases such as polio. Vaccines also help eradicate pandemics such as COVID-19, which has infected millions of individuals over the past two years. On World Immunization Day, it is vital to educate people about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Benefits of vaccination and how it helps to protect vulnerable populations
Vaccination offers massive benefits to individuals and communities, especially vulnerable groups such as young children, older people, and those with compromised immune systems. Vaccination protects vulnerable groups in the following ways:
Prevents the Spread of Infectious Diseases
Vaccination is the most effective method for infection prevention for cases of polio, measles, and COVID-19. Those who receive a vaccine develop immunity to the disease, making it less likely that they will contract and spread the illness to others.
Vaccines protect individuals from severe conditions and the possible long-term consequences of contracting an infectious disease. HERD IMMUNITY- When a sufficient number of people in a community have been immunized, herd immunity is established, making it more difficult for the infection to spread, ultimately protecting the community from the risk of an outbreak.
Reduces the Burden of Disease
Vaccines have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of many infectious diseases like polio, smallpox, influenza, etc, resulting in fewer hospitalizations, medical interventions, and less economic burden associated with treating and managing the disease.
Decreased Healthcare Costs Associated with Treating Infectious Diseases
The financial impact of infectious disease treatment can be high for individuals and healthcare systems. Vaccination lowers the expense of treating and managing infectious diseases by avoiding the spread of these diseases.
Promotes Herd Immunity Within Communities
When a mass number of people in a community are immunized, herd immunity develops, making it more difficult for the disease to spread. This protects those vaccinated and those who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons, such as infants or individuals with weakened immune systems.
The importance of National Immunization Day
National Immunization Day (NID) is an essential day for promoting vaccination and raising awareness about the value of immunization. Know the main reasons why NID is important:
- Eradicating deadly diseases
- Reaching vulnerable populations
- Promoting vaccine awareness
- Strengthening healthcare systems
- Saving lives
Importance of Continued Vaccination Efforts Made Through NID Campaigns
Continued vaccination efforts are critical to sustaining the gains made through National Immunization Day (NID) campaigns. While NID campaigns can provide an essential boost to vaccination coverage in the short term, sustained efforts are needed to maintain high levels of coverage and prevent disease outbreaks over the long term. Know the key reasons why continued vaccination efforts are essential:
- Preventing disease outbreaks
- Protecting vulnerable populations
- Maintaining herd immunity
- Improving public health outcomes
- Responding to emerging threats
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Book an AppointmentNational Immunization Schedule (NIS) for Infants, Children and Pregnant Women
| Vaccine | When to give | Dose | Route | Site |
| For Pregnant Women | ||||
| TT-1 | Early in pregnancy | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper Arm |
| TT-2 | 4 weeks after TT-1* | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper Arm |
| TT- Booster | If received 2 TT doses in a pregnancy within the last 3 yrs* | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper Arm |
| For Infants | ||||
| BCG | At birth or as early as possible till one year of age | 0.1ml (0.05ml until 1 month age) | Intra-dermal | Left Upper Arm |
| Hepatitis B - Birth dose | At birth or as early as possible within 24 hours | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh |
| OPV-0 | At birth or as early as possible within the first 15 days | 2 drops | Oral | Oral |
| OPV 1, 2 & 3 | At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (OPV can be given till 5 years of age) | 2 drops | Oral | Oral |
| Pentavalent | 1, 2 & 3 | At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (can be given till one year of age) | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular |
| Rotavirus# | At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks(can be given till one year of age) | 5 drops | Oral | Oral |
| IPV | Two fractional dose at 6 and 14 weeks of age | 0.1 ml | Intradermal two fractional dose | Intra-dermal: Right upper arm |
| Measles /MR 1st Dose$ | 9 completed months-12 months.(can be given till 5 years of age) | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Right upper Arm |
| JE - 1** | 9 completed months-12 months. | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Left upper Arm |
| Vitamin A | (1st dose) | At 9 completed months with measles-Rubella | 1ml (1 lakh IU) | Oral |
| For Children | ||||
| DPT booster-1 | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh |
| Measles/ MR 2nd dose $ | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Right upper Arm |
| OPV Booster | 16-24 months | 2 drops | Oral | Oral |
| JE-2 | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Left Upper Arm |
| Vitamin A***(2nd to 9th dose) | 16-18 months. Then one dose every 6months up to the age of 5 years. | 2ml (2 lakh IU) | Oral | Oral |
| DPT Booster-2 | 5-6 years | 0.5 ml. | Intra-muscular | Upper Arm |
| TT | 10 years & 16 years | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper Arm |
Conclusion
National Immunization Day is a cornerstone in global health efforts, highlighting the transformative impact of vaccination in saving lives and safeguarding communities against infectious diseases. Sustained vaccination efforts are imperative to build on the achievements of NID campaigns and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
Get a Vaccine Shot, Be Safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
National Immunization Day is a day designated by governments to promote and provide vaccines to protect against diseases.
It helps protect children and adults from serious diseases by boosting immunity through vaccines.
Minor side effects like mild fever or soreness at the injection site can occur but are temporary and normal.
Protection can vary by vaccine, but booster doses may be recommended to maintain immunity.
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