The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) has announced that vaccination services will now be available every Wednesday at all rural health and wellness centres (HWCs) and urban HWCs to enhance vaccination coverage and reduce drop-outs. This initiative, coinciding with National Vaccination Day, comes in addition to existing outreach sessions, focusing on the critical need for immunisation in communities.
Since its inception in 1978, Tamil Nadu has expanded its immunisation programme, strengthening it to cover 12 vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) through the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, mentioned that the programme reaches about 9.58 lakh pregnant women and 8.76 lakh children each year, maintaining an impressive vaccination coverage of over 98%.
Vaccination sessions are offered both in institutions such as hospitals every day and through outreach services in various communities. The establishments enable efficient distribution and management of vaccines, utilising the electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network and U-WIN monitoring to ensure optimum vaccine performance.
To protect against tetanus and diphtheria, all pregnant women receive the Td vaccine, and infants are administered 20 vaccine doses before they turn one, with additional shots provided during their developmental years. Health officials encourage adhering to the National Immunisation Schedule to protect children and pregnant women against numerous VPDs.
During the National Vaccination Day celebrations, A. Arun Thamburaj, the Mission Director, among other officials, launched educational materials to promote U-WIN activities. These efforts aim to ensure that every vulnerable group has access to life-saving vaccines and awareness regarding their importance in public health.
The Directorate of Public Health has launched a weekly vaccination initiative every Wednesday at all health and wellness centres in rural and urban areas to improve coverage and reduce drop-outs. Tamil Nadu’s extensive immunisation programme, which started in 1978, currently protects millions of pregnant women and children against vaccine-preventable diseases. Officials encourage adherence to the National Immunisation Schedule while promoting public health awareness through new educational resources.
In conclusion, the DPH’s initiative to enhance vaccination accessibility every Wednesday is a significant step towards improving public health in Tamil Nadu. With a long history of vaccination efforts, the state continues to ensure the welfare of pregnant women and children through consistent immunisation programmes. This commitment reinforces the universal importance of vaccines in preventing severe health conditions, showcasing a proactive approach in safeguarding communities.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
