Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any disruption in routine child and adult immunisation activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has taken any urgent and immediate steps to address such disruption, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether there is any shortage of vaccines in the country and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b) There has been 19.4% drop in Hepatitis-B birth doses administered and 31% drop in vaccination sessions held in health facility and outreach sessions from April to June 20 as compared to same period last year as per Health Management Information System (HMIS), in the light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
(c) To ensure universal immunization, following steps have been taken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) during the current COVID-19 situation:
• States/ UTs have been provided with a series of guidelines for delivering immunization services as well as Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services in the midst of COVID 19 pandemic. The same have also been reiterated in video conferences with the states/ UTs. Guideline are also uploaded on Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) website for wider dissemination.
• Regular reviews are being held with the States/ UTs to discuss challenges being faced during the pandemic and the necessary measures taken to ensure immunization services.
• Appropriate communication material has been developed and shared with the States and UTs for addressing vaccine hesitancy and strengthening routine immunization during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Supply chain of vaccines and other logistics has been ensured during COVID-19 pandemic.
(d) No there is no shortage of vaccines in the country.