Sansad TV Perspective: COVID Shadow on Immunisation

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic ‘COVID Shadow on Immunisation’.

Anchor: Vishal Dahiya 

Participants: 

1. Ms. Preeti Sudan, Former Health Secretary, GOI 
2. Dr. Nimesh Gupta, Head, Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, NII

Context: 

Immunisation has been a time-tested weapon against the threatening implications of pathogens in history as well as in the present times. The immunisation process is often considered to be the most efficient public health intervention as it is estimated to prevent 2 to 3 million deaths annually. Hence this is a subject of essence across the globe. In this regard, to determine the prominence of the vaccination programme and spread its awareness with the noble objective of building a strong immune system among populations, every 10th day of November is celebrated as World Immunisation Day. The onset of the pandemic has impacted the routine immunisation programmes to a great extent. Therefore this adds on to the significance of the very subject of immunisation that requires intervention by experts and makes it noteworthy for discussion.

Overview of the discussion:

• India is well known for its exemplary initiatives towards the immunization of its citizens of varying age groups in a meticulous manner. 
• India houses the largest Universal Immunisation Programs in the world in terms of vaccine quantity, coverage percentage, geographical distribution and human resources. 
• The findings of WHO and UNESCO denote that 23 million children across the globe were not able to access important vaccines due to the social distancing guidelines circulated and followed during the pandemic. However, India did manage not to compromise the immunization programmes even during the hostile conditions and conducted door to door vaccination drives and Panchayat level vaccination drives.
• The government interventions in collaboration with the trained frontline warriors and the vaccine suppliers have created a huge network of immunisation in the country that has led to the behavioural transformation of people from being vaccine-hesitant to vaccine demanding. This was more evident during the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Know more about India’s Universal Immunization Programme in the link.

Where lies the Challenge? 

• There are some challenging questions pertaining to the safety and success rates of vaccinations that are existing. The scientific expert in the panel stresses the fact that the success and safety of vaccines depend on the immunological strength of the vaccine candidates. Therefore a proper vaccine evaluation is necessary at the early stage of the trial.

Evolution of Immunisation in India:

• There have been enormous advancements in vaccine research and development in India that ensures the timely update and modification of vaccines.
• The fine-tuning of vaccines is a pragmatic method followed by the scientific community to study the immune system. For example – In the case of Pertussis vaccines recombinant proteins are used instead of inactivated particles of the pathogens. This reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

Initiatives by the Government:

Intensified Mission Indradhanush:

•  Mission Indradhanush was introduced in the year 2018 with a target to have a 90% coverage of the Universal Immunisation Programme by 2020. 
• The second version aimed at reaching out to tribals in remote areas.
• The mission is presently operating its third version (Mission Indradhanush 3.0) to immunise all pregnant women and children with the COVID-19 vaccine.
• This mission covers diseases like Polio, Diphtheria, Measles, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Meningitis, whooping cough.
• Significance:
  • This mission will lead India many steps closer to its Sustainable Development Goal – 3 (SDG 3) that envisages promoting a healthy life and well being of all at all stages.

Also Read: Intensified Mission Indradhanush

Vaccine Maitree:

• The unusual circumstances that were born out of the pandemic made the entire world suffer from the inadequate supply of vaccines and other essentials. 
• India extended its hand of friendship to the international community at the hour of crisis with a firm stand on the ethos expressed as ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ that sees the world as one family. 
• The light of ethics was reflected through our efficient diplomatic fraternity in delivering COVID-19 vaccines to the neighbouring and partner countries like Maldives, Mauritius, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar. 
• This determines our promising and well-planned vaccine diplomacy that is dedicated towards the humanitarian cause.

Advancing the Immunisation Process:

• A remarkable lesson has been learnt from the disastrous outcomes of the pandemic and the major takeaway is to be future-ready for such unusual events and develop preventive measures to carry out routine immunisation programmes in an undisturbed manner. There is a requirement for the expansion of the outreach programs.
• Vaccination must be carried out with an evidence-based approach.
• Individuals must be assessed for the priming levels if the vaccine involves multiple doses. This would stimulate a better immune response.
• It is suggested by the panel member that vaccines must be developed under rationales and not merely on empirical grounds. 

The success story of India would witness further progress by spreading more awareness that encourages the active participation of people resulting in the prevention of life-threatening diseases.

Read more summaries of Perspective in the link.

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