“Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0”

What is the News?

Recently Union Health Minister launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 in India. After the launch, States and UTs have started the implementation of the IMI 3.0.

Development of Immunisation Programme in India:

1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the Immunization Programme in India in 1978. It was released in the name of ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization’ (EPI).
2. In 1985, the EPI programme was modified as ‘Universal Immunization Programme’ (UIP). This was to be implemented in a phased manner to cover all districts in the country. Despite being operational for many years, UIP able to fully immunize only 65% of children in their first year of life.
3. Mission Indradhanush:
   • It was launched in 2014. The aim of the mission was to ensure full immunization with all available vaccines for children up to two years of age. Further, the mission aims to vaccinate pregnant women who were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated under UIP.
   • Diseases covered for Vaccines: Under the mission, vaccination is provided free of cost against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Such as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Rotavirus diarrhoea, Hepatitis B, Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenzae type B, Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Japanese Encephalitis.
   • However, under Mission Indradhanush, Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and Haemophilus influenza type B is provided only in selected districts of the country.
4. Intensified Mission Indradhanush(IMI)
   • It was launched in 2017. The aim was to vaccinate each and every child up to two years of age. Apart from that, IMI also vaccinates all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme/UIP.
   • Special attention was given to unserved/low coverage pockets and urban slums with a migratory population.
   • Special vaccination drives were conducted under IMI. These drives aimed to ensure full immunisation coverage in 90% of select districts and cities by 2018.
5. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0
   • It was launched in December 2019. It aimed to achieve targets of full immunization coverage in 272 districts of 27 States. Full immunization of 652 blocks in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also targetted. Hard-to-reach and huge tribal populated region were chosen as blocks
   • The mission has a focus on urban, underserved population and tribal areas.
   • IMI 2.0 also had Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination.
6. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0
   • It aims to cover children and pregnant women who missed the routine immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Beneficiaries from migration areas and hard to reach areas will be targeted.
   • The mission will follow the COVID-Appropriate Behaviour(CAB) approach during the immunisation activities.
   • States have been asked to follow a “staggered approach” (Staged approach) to avoid crowding at the vaccination sites.
   • The vaccination sessions will be planned in such a way that not more than 10 beneficiaries will present at the session site at one given point in time.

1. Source: The Hindu 

[Answered]Explain how vaccines work? Discuss the significance of vaccination and mention various challenges regarding vaccination in India.