National Vaccination Day, also known as the National Immunization Day, is observed in India annually on March 16. On this day, we spread awareness about the importance of vaccines. According to the World Health Organization, vaccination is an effective and safe way of preventing harmful diseases before one contracts them. A vaccine uses the body’s natural defences to build a resistance wall to specific infections and make the vaccinated individual’s immune system stronger.
Vaccination plays a crucial role in maintaining public health. It can be considered by looking at their effective results in reducing the prevalence of several deadly diseases like measles, chicken pox, tetanus, rubella, polio, and most recently COVID-19.
On the occasion of National Vaccination Day this year, let us take a closer look at the history, significance, and more.
History
National Vaccination Day was first observed in 1995 when the government of India launched the Pulse Polio Immunisation program to eradicate polio from the country.
On March 16 1995, when the first dose of the oral polio vaccine was administered in India as a part of the WHO's Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which began in 1988. The vaccination program was popularised through a nationwide campaign named, 'Do Boond Zindagi Ki'.
Significance
In recent years, National Vaccination Day has gained major attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from that, the Indian government has also been promoting vaccination campaigns to protect the population from the virus and prevent the spread of the disease.
National Vaccination Day focuses on the importance of vaccination in the fight against life-threatening diseases. It also aims to educate people about how the role of vaccination can contribute to a healthier country.
It provides a platform to initiate the discussion of why we need to get our family and ourselves vaccinated against diseases.
Theme
Every year, the day is celebrated under a specific theme. In 2023, the theme was, ‘Vaccine Prevents the Unwanted’.
This year, India will be celebrating National Vaccination Day with the theme of ‘Vaccines Work For All’. This theme is a call to highlight that safe and effective vaccinations are necessary for all human lives. They can be accessible and workable for all to prevent diseases, regardless of age, gender, location, or socioeconomic status.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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