Immunization Programs
Immunization is the process by which an individual becomes protected against a disease through the
administration of a vaccine, stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens.
Types of Immunity
Active Immunity
Active immunity occurs when the body's immune system produces antibodies after being exposed
to a disease-causing organism. This protection is long-lasting and can sometimes last a lifetime.
Passive Immunity
Passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing
them through his or her own immune system.
Vaccine
A vaccine is a substance that helps the body develop immunity against a disease by stimulating the
immune system to produce antibodies. It can contain weakened, killed, or parts of a germ to train
the body to recognize and fight infections in the future.
Types of Vaccines
Live Attenuated Vaccines: A live attenuated vaccine contains a weakened form of a disease-
causing germ that cannot cause illness but stimulates the immune system to build long-lasting
protection against the disease.
Inactivated (Killed) Vaccines: An inactivated (killed) vaccine contains dead germs that cannot
cause disease but help the immune system recognize and fight future infections by producing
antibodies.
Subunit, Recombinant, Polysaccharide, and Conjugate Vaccines: These Vaccines contain only
specific parts of a germ, such as proteins or sugars, or capsid (a casing around the germ) instead of
the whole germ. These vaccines help the immune system recognize and fight the disease while
reducing side effects and ensuring safety.
Toxoid Vaccines: Toxoid Vaccines contain a weakened form of the toxin produced by bacteria.
These vaccines train the immune system to recognize and neutralize the harmful toxin without
causing disease.That means the immune response is targeted to the toxin instead of the whole germ.
Combination Vaccines: Combination vaccines contain multiple vaccines in a single shot to protect
against more than one disease at the same time. They reduce the number of injections needed while
ensuring immunity against multiple infections
Immunization Programs in India
Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) - 1978
Launched by the Government of India to control vaccine-preventable diseases.
Initially targeted six diseases: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis, and Measles.
Focused on improving immunization services and accessibility, primarily in urban areas.
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) - 1985
Expanded and strengthened the EPI to ensure immunization coverage for all children and pregnant
women across India.
Included vaccines against TB, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, and Measles.
Later expanded to include Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rotavirus vaccines.
Aims to reduce infant mortality and control vaccine-preventable diseases by providing free vaccines
under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Barriers to Immunization
Physical Barriers
Accessibility: Difficulty in reaching vaccination centers due to distance or lack of transportation.
Waiting Time: Long queues and extended waiting periods can deter individuals from getting
vaccinated.
Discomfort: Fear of needles or potential side effects may prevent people from seeking vaccines.
Psychological Barriers:
Misinformation: Lack of accurate information or exposure to myths about vaccines can lead to
hesitancy.
Distrust: Skepticism towards healthcare providers or the healthcare system can hinder vaccine
acceptance.
Privacy Concerns: Fear of personal information being mishandled or disclosed without consent.
National Immunization schedule
