A latest survey by the Government has shown that as many as 72.5 per cent (which is about 7 out of 10 kids) of Indian children in the age group of 12 to 23 months don’t get timely vaccination. According to the health experts, getting timely vaccination is so important for children, particularly in the age group of 12 to 23 months, as it will ensure them to develop immunity for a given disease at the correct age. Through vaccination, the child can develop immunity without suffering from the actual diseases that vaccines prevent.
The recently published National Family Health Survey IV data shows that the situation is worst in Manipur, where 96.5 per cent children in this age group were not immunised on time. This was followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 90 per cent, UP 87.2 per cent and Maharashtra 75.2 per cent.
The survey found that almost all the major states in the country, including the national capital, have fared poorly in terms of age-appropriate vaccination. While Rajasthan has 79% children in this category not getting timely vaccination, Delhi has 72.6% and Karnataka 70.2%. Uttarakhand, at 79%, too has fared poorly in children not getting age-appropriate immunisation.
The survey indicated that overall, the percentage of immunisation in the country in the past decade had increased from 44 per cent in 2005-06 to 62 per cent in 2015-16. Interestingly, while the rural areas of the country recorded an impressive 22 per cent rise in vaccination of children, the urban areas showed a mere 6 per cent increase from 58 % to 64 % during the period.