The expanded programme on immunization: a decade of progress in India.
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was initiated in India in 1978 with the objective to reduce morbidity and mortality from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis and childhood tuberculosis by providing immunization services to all eligible children and pregnant women by 1990. Measles vaccine was included when the EPI was accelerated by launching the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985-6. Approximately half of all infants now receive complete primary immunization with diphtheria, polio and tetanus (DPT), oral polio vaccine (OPV) and BCG vaccine. Forty-six per cent of pregnant women currently receive a second or booster dose of tetanus toxoid (TT). Surveillance reports from selected areas have documented impact through reduction of disease incidence. Although vaccination coverage levels are increasing, continued acceleration is needed to achieve the universal levels targeted for 1990.
Sokhey
J
J
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India.
Kim-Farley
R J
RJ
Bhargava
I
I
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000276:immunology
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D014765:Viral Vaccines