COVID Pandemic Slowed Down Child Immunisation Programmes In India Initially But Went Back On Track Thereafter: Govt

NEW DELHI || The immunisation services slowed down at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, but coverage has improved subsequently because of series of measures been taken, the government of India has said.

To restore universal immunisation, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) during COVID-19 pandemic provided with a series of guidelines for delivering immunisation services as well as Reproductive, Maternal, New born, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services in the midst of COVID 19 pandemic to the states.

The same have also been reiterated in video conferences with the states/ UTs. Guidelines are also uploaded on Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) website for wider dissemination. Regular reviews are being held with the States/ UTs to discuss challenges being faced during the pandemic and the necessary measures taken to ensure immunisation services.

Appropriate communication material has been developed and shared with the States and UTs for addressing vaccine hesitancy and strengthening routine immunization during COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain of vaccines and other logistics has been ensured during COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Ashwini Kumar Choubey has told the Rajya Sabha members in a written reply.

As per Health Management Information System (HMIS) 37,49,939 children were fully immunised in rural areas from April- June 2020 whereas 46,75,437 children have been fully immunised in rural areas during same period last year.

After each immunisation session, due list of beneficiaries is prepared to track and trace individuals who have missed their regular vaccine including individual, who have missed vaccination due to COVID-19 pandemic