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correspondence

Indian Pediatr 2012;49: 501-502

Routine Immunization: Campaign or Routine?

RN Srivastava

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Goel, et al. provide an information report on effectiveness of a campaign to strengthen routine immunization in Bihar [1]. The exercise involved massive organizational inputs in infrastructure, management and manpower. Anganwadi and ANM workers, ASHAs and vaccinators were mobilized and budgetary support and political commitment were forthcoming.

The chief reason for poor coverage of routine (and other) immunizations is ignorance of the parents and the family of the benefits of immunizations. If that were clearly understood there would be a demand for vaccinations. Literacy rates are high in Indian states with impressive immunization coverage. Whereas campaigns are useful to achieve short term benefits, they are very difficult to sustain. Communities need to be educated and informed of the value of immunizations and other aspects of health care, with the help of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, school teachers and panchayat bodies and others. Minor reactions following DPT vaccine administration, often responsible for dropouts, should be properly managed and the family reassured. Supply of vaccines, maintenance of cold chain and safe injection practices must be ensured. Completeness of immunizations can be monitored with the help of a health card for every child, which would have records of vaccines administered and other vital health parameters [2]. Local officials should be charged with the responsibility of immunization and other health interventions and made accountable.

Immunizations must become a routine application and an integral component of basic health care of the growing child (which indeed is a crucial child right).

References

1. Goel S, Dogra V, Gupta SK, Lakshmi PVM, Varkey S, Pradhan N, et al. Effectiveness of Muskan Ek Abhiyan (The smile campaign) for strengthening routine immunization in Bihar, India. Indian Pediatr. 2012:49: 103-8.

2. Srivastava RN. Make routine immunization compulsory. Indian Pediatr. 2007;44:848-50.

 

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