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Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunisation’
Context
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), prompting a reflection on the progress made and the future direction of immunization programmes, particularly in India.
Progress and Challenges of Immunization Programmes:
- Success and Impact of Immunization: Immunization programmes globally and in India have witnessed significant progress over the past five decades, with vaccines now available for preventing a wide range of diseases, leading to the prevention of millions of deaths and hospitalizations.
- Persisting Challenges and Inequities: Despite the successes, challenges such as declining childhood immunization coverage in certain regions and persisting inequities in vaccine coverage by geography and socio-economic factors remain.
- Shift towards Adult Vaccination: While childhood vaccination has traditionally been prioritized, there is a growing recognition of the importance of adult vaccination, especially considering the increasing prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases among adults.
Recommendations for Future Directions:
- Expansion of Immunization Coverage: Policy measures should focus on expanding immunization coverage to include adults and the elderly, building on the success of childhood vaccination programmes.
- Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy through proactive communication strategies, education campaigns, and engagement with healthcare professionals and community leaders are crucial to ensuring widespread acceptance of adult vaccination.
- Research and Evidence Generation: Research should be conducted to understand the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the adult population, informing policy decisions and programme implementation.
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