Question : Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the details and number of vaccines, including BCG, Pentavalent and MMR vaccines, and polio drops administered to children between April-September 2020, State/UT-wise;

(b) the number of infants/children who have missed their regular immunization during imposition of the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic;

(c) whether the Government has formulated a policy to track and trace individuals that may have missed their regular shots due to COVID-19, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the details of any other steps being taken by the Government to ensure universal immunisation?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b) As per Health Management Information System (HMIS) the number of vaccines, including BCG, Pentavalent and Measles Rubella (MR) vaccines, and polio drops administered to the children State/UT-wise between April-August 2020, is placed at Annexure 1. The data for September is not yet available As per HMIS, 58,14,588 children were fully immunized from April- June 2019, whereas during the same period from April-June 2020, 44,13,896 children were fully immunized. The data entry in HMIS portal also slowed down in COVID pandemic.

(c) Yes, due list is prepared after each immunization session to track and trace individuals who have missed their regular vaccine including individual, who have missed vaccination due to COVID-19 pandemic.






(d) 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.