Universal Immunisation Programme

What is the Universal Immunisation Programme?

India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the largest public health programmes in the world, providing free vaccination to children and pregnant women against vaccine-preventable diseases through government health facilities. Originally launched as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1978, it was renamed the Universal Immunisation Programme in 1985 with the goal of achieving universal coverage.

The UIP currently provides immunisation against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases: 9 nationally — Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe Childhood Tuberculosis (BCG), Hepatitis B, and Meningitis/Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) — and 3 sub-nationally — Rotavirus diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis (in endemic districts).

In February 2026, India launched a nationwide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign targeting 14-year-old girls to protect against cervical cancer, with approximately 1.15 crore girls expected to receive the vaccine free of cost. India's full immunisation coverage has reached 98.4% as of January 2026, a landmark achievement under the Mission Indradhanush initiative.

Key Features

Important Concepts

• Mission Indradhanush (December 2014) was launched to achieve full immunisation coverage for children who were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. It specifically targeted urban slums, tribal areas, and hard-to-reach populations. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) followed in October 2017, with focused drives in the most underperforming districts.
• Cold chain management is critical for the UIP — vaccines must be stored and transported at 2-8°C (some require ultra-cold storage). India operates one of the world's largest cold chain networks with over 27,000 cold chain points across the country.
• Pulse Polio (launched 1995) was a separate supplementary immunisation activity that administered oral polio vaccine (OPV) to all children under 5. India was certified polio-free by WHO in March 2014.
• The HPV vaccination campaign (February 2026) marks the latest addition — using the indigenous Cervavac vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India, targeting cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer among Indian women.
• The Pentavalent vaccine (introduced 2011-12, expanded nationally by 2015) combines protection against five diseases (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hib) in a single injection, reducing the number of visits required.
• India is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume — the Serum Institute of India alone produces over 1.5 billion doses annually, supplying vaccines to over 170 countries and playing a key role in global immunisation equity.
• eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) is a technology platform that digitises vaccine stocks and monitors cold chain temperatures in real time across all states, improving supply chain efficiency.

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

• UIP provides free vaccines against 12 diseases (9 national + 3 sub-national)
• Originally the Expanded Programme on Immunization (1978); became UIP in 1985
• Mission Indradhanush (2014) accelerated coverage in underserved areas
• HPV vaccination launched nationwide in February 2026 for 14-year-old girls
• India's full immunisation coverage reached 98.4% in January 2026
• India was certified polio-free by WHO in March 2014
• The UIP is implemented under the National Health Mission by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• India operates over 27,000 cold chain points for vaccine storage at 2-8°C
• Cervavac (Serum Institute of India) is the indigenous HPV vaccine used in the 2026 campaign
• The Pentavalent vaccine covers Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hib in one shot
• BCG vaccine (for TB) is given at birth; OPV (oral polio vaccine) is given in multiple doses

Mains: Probable Themes

1. India's immunisation success — from low coverage to near-universal immunisation under Mission Indradhanush
2. Challenges of vaccine hesitancy, cold chain logistics, and last-mile delivery in remote/tribal areas
3. HPV vaccination and the national strategy against cervical cancer — public health and gender dimensions
4. India's role as a global vaccine manufacturer — Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech, and vaccine diplomacy
5. Lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign (CoWIN platform) for strengthening routine immunisation

Sources: Universal Immunisation Programme — NHM, UIP — Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, National Vaccination Day 2026 — Business Standard