Question : VACCINES IN UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME

(a) the details of the vaccines being administered under the UniversalImmunization Programme (UIP), diseasewise;

(b) the details of the new vaccines included under the UIP during the last three years and the current year, disease-wise;

(c) whether some medical/health experts have claimed that newly included vaccines are not essential and if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) whether the Government proposes to include two new and effective antipneumonia vaccines, which are promoted by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children`s Fund (UNICEF) under UIP; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF HEATH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a): Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) 7 vaccines are administered. These vaccines are Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Polio, Measles, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) (in endemic districts) and Haemohilus influenzae type b (Hib) as Pentavalent vaccine combination (DPT+Hib+Hepatitis B) (in 8 states). These vaccines prevent Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and disease caused by Haemohilus influenzae type b like meningitis, Pneumonia respectively.

(b) & (c): Based on recommendation ofNational Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI)one new vaccine i.e. Haemohilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine as Pentavalent vaccine combination (DPT+Hib+Hepatitis B) has been included under UIP in the last three years. Though some medical/health expert at the time of introduction of pentavalent vaccine had some difference of opinion.

(d): Not at this stage.

(e): National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) is the apex advisory body setup by the Government of India to make recommendations on issues related to Immunization, introduction of new vaccines and currently there is no recommendation of NTAGI is pending with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for introduction of new vaccine.