Lakshadweep and J&K Lead in 2023-24 National Immunisation Coverage

New Delhi: The national full immunisation coverage for 2023-24 reached 93.50%, with Lakshadweep and Jammu and Kashmir topping the list, according to the Source Health Management Information System. Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav shared this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Top Performers:

• Lakshadweep: 108.79%
• Jammu and Kashmir: 108.66%
• Telangana: 106.13%
• Delhi: 105.03%
• Andhra Pradesh: 101.26%
• Mizoram: 101.10%
• Maharashtra: 101.04%

Immunisation coverage exceeded 95% in states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Chhattisgarh.

Lowest Performers:

• Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli: 48.03%

Factors Contributing to High Coverage:

• Catch-Up Campaigns: Increased coverage through campaigns like Intensified Mission Indradhanush.
• Migrant Populations: Efforts to vaccinate migrant populations.

Government Initiatives:

• Universal Immunisation Programme: All eligible children up to age two receive vaccinations as per the immunisation schedule.
• Special Campaigns: Mission Indradhanush and Intensified Mission Indradhanush aim to vaccinate children and pregnant women who have been left out or have dropped out of previous vaccination programs.
• Model Immunisation Centres: Operational in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, and Ladakh.

Jadhav emphasized that the government encourages states and Union territories to establish model immunisation centres and conduct immunisation camps based on requirements. The comprehensive efforts by the government and healthcare workers have significantly boosted immunisation coverage across the country.