Vaccination has been one of the greatest public health achievements in history, protecting millions from deadly diseases. India’s vaccination journey reflects a remarkable transformation — from the first smallpox vaccine in 1802 to the world’s largest COVID-19 immunization drive in 2021. Along the way, India has faced challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, supply chain gaps, and workforce shortages. Yet, with stronger digital platforms like CoWIN and innovations such as the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, the nation is moving closer to its goal of universal immunization by 2030. For UPSC aspirants, understanding India’s vaccination history, policies, and future roadmap is crucial for both Prelims facts and Mains analysis.

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India’s Vaccination Journey

How Do Vaccines Work?

• Vaccines act like a training manual for the body’s defense system.

• They introduce a weakened, inactive, or partial form of a pathogen (virus/bacteria) to the immune system.

• This “safe exposure” stimulates the body to produce antibodies.

• The body also develops memory cells, which remember the pathogen.

• When the person is exposed in the future, the immune system responds quickly and strongly, preventing illness.

• On a community level, vaccines reduce disease transmission and create herd immunity, protecting even those who are unvaccinated.

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History of Vaccination (Global)

• The idea of immunization dates back to ancient practices of variolation in China and India, where material from smallpox patients was used to provide protection.

• In 1796, Edward Jenner in England developed the first scientific vaccine against smallpox using cowpox material.

• The 19th century saw the development of vaccines for rabies, diphtheria, and cholera.

• The 20th century brought vaccines for tuberculosis (BCG), polio, measles, and tetanus.

• In 1979, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated – the first disease to be eliminated by vaccination.

• In the 21st century, biotechnology enabled new-generation vaccines such as HPV, Ebola, and rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.

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Milestones in India’s Vaccination Journey

• 1802 – First smallpox vaccination carried out in Bombay and Madras, introducing Jenner’s method to India.

• 1899 – Establishment of the Plague Laboratory in Bombay (later called the Haffkine Institute), a pioneer in plague and cholera vaccine research.

• 1948 – Launch of the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis, with production starting in Madras.

• 1978 – Introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) with WHO support.

• 1985 – Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) launched, providing free vaccines for infants and pregnant women.

• 1994 – Nationwide Pulse Polio campaign begins, one of the largest public health campaigns.

• 2011 – India records its last case of wild polio in West Bengal, becoming polio-free.

• 2016 – Rotavirus vaccine introduced to prevent diarrheal diseases in children.

• 2017 – Phased introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV).

• 2021 – Launch of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the world’s largest, using Covaxin and Covishield.

• 2023 – India approves iNCOVACC, the world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine developed domestically.

Challenges in India’s Immunization Efforts

• Disrupted Supply Chains – COVID-19 lockdowns affected routine vaccination schedules and delivery.

• Vaccine Hesitancy – Fear, misinformation, and rumors reduced public trust in vaccines.

• Geographic Barriers – Difficult terrain in the Northeast, tribal belts, and rural areas limits access.

• Shortage of Trained Workforce – Limited numbers of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and ASHA workers affect delivery.

• Low Awareness – Cultural resistance and religious misconceptions prevent acceptance.

• Weak Record-keeping – Dependence on paper-based systems before CoWIN/U-WIN caused duplication and missed doses.

Measures to Overcome the Challenges

• Strengthening Infrastructure – Expand cold storage points, improve logistics, and adopt real-time monitoring of vaccine stocks.

• Countering Hesitancy – Engage school teachers, doctors, local leaders, and religious heads to spread trust and correct misinformation.

• Improving Outreach – Use micro-level planning, mobile vaccination units, and health camps for remote regions.

• Supporting Health Workers – Provide financial incentives, continuous training, and community recognition to frontline workers.

• Awareness Campaigns – Conduct school-based drives, use folk theatre, radio, and door-to-door education.

• Digital Platforms – Strengthen CoWIN and U-WIN for privacy-safe, accurate, and universal immunization tracking.

India’s Aim by 2030

• Universal Coverage – Ensure that every child, adolescent, and adult receives all essential vaccines without discrimination.

• SDG Alignment – Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing preventable deaths.

• Domestic Vaccine Hub – Strengthen India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world” with self-reliant vaccine production.

• Digital Health Integration – Use advanced health platforms for real-time data, monitoring, and efficient service delivery.

• Zero Preventable Deaths – Work towards a future where no child dies due to vaccine-preventable diseases.

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