Recent statistical findings reveal an alarming trend in India’s national health. As reported by the National Statistical Organisation (NSO) in their latest ‘Health in India’ report, 40% of Indian children have not completed the full immunisation programme. This study is based on the household social consumption-related health data collected during the 75th round of the National Sample Survey, which took place from July 2017 to June 2018.
Understanding Full Immunisation
Full immunisation refers to a child receiving a sequence of eight essential vaccines within their first year of life. These include:
- The BCG Vaccine: This vaccine, given shortly after birth, plays a vital role in protecting children against tuberculosis.
- The Measles Vaccine: An essential shield against the viral disease—measles.
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Administered in three doses with the first given at birth and the subsequent ones at four-week intervals, OPV protects against the crippling poliovirus.
- DPT/Pentavalent Vaccine: This multi-protective vaccine is administered in three doses to safeguard children against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, Hepatitis B, and various other diseases triggered by Haemophilus influenzae type B.
Booster doses of both OPV and DPT are also provided between 16 and 24 months of age.
National Data Analysis
A closer look at the data reveals that only 59.2% of children under five years of age in India are fully immunised. While 97% of children have received at least one vaccination, typically the BCG or the first dose of OPV, the numbers dip when it comes to other important vaccines. Only 67% of children are fully immunised against measles, while 58% have received their polio booster dose. The DPT booster dose has been administered to even fewer children—at a rate of just 54%.
State-level Perspectives
The vaccination rates vary noticeably across different states and Union Territories (UTs).
The states with the highest full immunisation rates include Manipur (75%), Andhra Pradesh (73.6%), and Mizoram (73.4%). In stark contrast, Nagaland has the lowest rate of 12%, followed by Puducherry (34%) and Tripura (39.6%). In the nation’s capital, Delhi, less than half of all children are fully vaccinated.
Pandemic Impact and Challenges
The Covid-19 pandemic has further strained India’s child immunisation programme. Child Rights and You, an advocacy group, reports that only half of Indian families with children under five years were able to avail immunisation services during the lockdown.
Moving Forward
Immunisation is a powerful, yet simple tool that safeguards children from severe illnesses. Beyond individual protection, it also shields the larger community by preventing disease transmission. It is crucial that the government narrows the gap in immunisation coverage to foster healthier futures for Indian children.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024