WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 24TH APRIL TO 30TH APRIL
Dr. Rashmi Sharma
Immunization is the development of the body’s protective response after administering vaccines to the child or adult. Vaccines are highly regulated, biologic products – a killed or weakened or fragmented micro-organism or toxins. Once vaccines are given, they stimulate the immune system of the body to produce “antibodies” against the disease-causing organisms. Each vaccine providesimmunity against a particular disease.Universal Immunization programme of India is one of the world’s largest health programs. It covers nearly 2.6 crore newborns and 3.0 crore pregnant women every year. Over the last 50 years vaccination has resulted into 40% increase in the infant survival. World immunization week is celebrated every year in the last week of April. This year it is being celebrated from 24th to 30th April with the aim to ensure vaccination of all irrespective of gender,religion, economic and social background etc. covering all high-risk areas ( peri-urban slums, nomadic slums, population with vaccine hesitancy, construction sites , brickkilns etc ). Following the theme for immunization week “IMMUNIZATION OF ALL IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE”, we believe that everyone should have access to the lifesaving vaccines regardless of age or location.Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 on the first day of the World Immunization Week (24April), marking a significant step towards India’s goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026. Measles and rubella are highly infectious viral diseases. They usually present with fever and maculopapular rash. If child is week or malnourished or immunocompromised this viral infection can result into serious complications like pneumonia, meningitis etc. and even death. Rubella infection in pregnant ladies can result into birth defects.Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, two doses of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age.various health camps/ immunization outreach sessions along with health awareness camps are being organised across the whole UT of JK with the aim to reach underserved, neglected and ignorant communities at their door steps. No programme is successful without the participation of the public. We have already won the fight against deadly diseases like small pox and polio. This is the time to come forward and contribute towards fight against Measles and Rubell- ZERO CASE BY 2026.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
* First dose of MR vaccine before first birthday
* Two doses of MR vaccine before second birthday
* If missed can be taken up to 5 years under UIP
* All vaccines under UIP are safe and effective
* All vaccines are available free of cost
* Excellent cold chain system and vaccine is provided to the beneficiary atoptimum temperature (2-8°C)
* Well trained vaccinators
* Report any case of fever and rash to the nearest heath facility
* Isolate the patient with fever rash in order to prevent the spread of infection
* Motivate and encourage your house-hold helpers or neglected people in your contact to vaccinate their children
(The author is District Immunization Officer, Jammu, JKUT)
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