In observance of the World Immunization Week (WIW) in 2022, UNICEF along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Government of India held an interactive engagement session with health journalists to reinforce media support toward increased uptake of Routine Immunization of children. The theme for this year’s immunisation week is ’long life for all,’ with ‘long life’ reflecting the importance of vaccinations for a long and healthy life and the importance of vaccine equity.

As per latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 data, Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) among children aged 12-23 months has recorded substantial improvement from 62 per cent to 76 per cent at all-India level.

Dr Veena Dhawan, Additional Commissioner (Immunization), MoH&FW, provided an update on the Universal Immunization programme and the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 4.0 launched in early 2022 to accelerate the vaccination coverage of children and pregnant women in targeted districts and blocks.

The World Immunization Week also celebrates the extraordinary work of numerous people who have contributed to the creation, development and administering vaccines for the last 300 years. A ‘Love Letter’ thanking the stakeholders will be shared with supporters to write their own thank-you notes for all those who made vaccination possible. A Hero Video which takes the viewer through the epic journey of vaccination across continents and though centuries will be released.

Commending India’s commitment to accelerate immunisation coverage and achieve full immunisation coverage for every child, Dr Vivek Virendra Singh, Health Specialist, Officer In-Charge, Health, UNICEF India, interacted with over 70 national and state media who had joined the discussion online. “The WIW 2022 provides us an opportunity to remind everyone on India’s success in the recent COVID -19 vaccination and earlier Polio eradication, through robust health systems driven immunization campaigns. WIW reiterates the need for Routine Immunization, and the collective action needed to reach every child everywhere with all necessary vaccines,” he said.