As the world marks World Immunisation Day today, health experts are reiterating the importance of timely vaccination for children—an often overlooked aspect of preventive healthcare that continues to face serious challenges in India.
“Pediatric immunisation faces several challenges that tend to affect vaccine coverage,” says Dr Amit Gupta, Senior Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida. “Due to the lack of awareness among parents about the importance and schedule of vaccines, many children don’t get vaccinated on time and suffer in silence from vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and B, and even whooping cough.”
Doctors agree that vaccine hesitancy, often fuelled by misinformation or fear of side effects, remains a major concern. “Some parents believe vaccines are unnecessary, or worse, unsafe. This fear keeps them from getting their child immunised, leaving them vulnerable to a range of preventable illnesses,” says family physician Dr Ramesh Shah from Mumbai.
Beyond misinformation, logistical barriers—such as poor healthcare access in rural areas, inadequate cold chain facilities, and shortage of trained staff—continue to affect immunisation coverage. In some cases, parents delay or skip vaccines simply because they underestimate their importance.
“Children with weak immunity or chronic illnesses may require special vaccine schedules, adding to the complexity,” Dr Shah points out. “Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, educating parents, and addressing myths can go a long way in improving vaccination rates.”
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India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the largest in the world, covering more than 12 vaccines against life-threatening diseases. Yet, gaps remain—especially in low-income and remote regions where access and awareness are still limited.
While India has made tremendous progress in expanding its immunisation coverage, reaching every child with life-saving vaccines remains a public health priority, say public health experts. Addressing myths, building trust in vaccines, and ensuring last-mile delivery are key to protecting children and communities from preventable diseases, they add.
Experts stress that vaccines are among the most effective public health tools ever developed, saving millions of lives every year. “Parents must follow the schedule recommended by their child’s doctor and ensure vaccination without delay. Remember, vaccinating your child should always be on your priority list,” Dr Gupta urges.
On this World Immunisation Day, the message is clear: prevention is protection—and it begins with a simple, timely jab.
