On 16 March every year, National Vaccination Day is observed in India which is also known as National Immunisation Day (IMD). It was first observed on 16 March, 1995 when the first dose of Oral Polio Vaccine was given. It is an attempt to increase awareness for the eradication of polio from the planet earth.

• The prime purpose behind the celebration of National Vaccination Day is to make all people aware of arming against polio and eradicating it completely from the world, Current Affairs reported.
• Polio has been one of the menacing diseases plaguing the world. The National Vaccination Day is observed in order to enhance the awareness and eradication of polio from the planet. Every year, on National Vaccination Day, millions of children are given the polio vaccine in order to prevent the risk of polio.

World Immunisation Week importance

• World Immunization Week is celebrated across the globe in the last week of April. World Immunization Week focuses on promoting the use of vaccines against all diseases. Immunization aims to save millions of lives every year and it is widely recognized as one of the world's most successful and cost-effective health interventions. 

Types of Polio Vaccines

• There are two types of vaccines that are being administered in India. One of them is IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) and the other one if OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine). IPV is a wild type of poliovirus strain that is given along with other vaccines which include Hepatitis B, Diptheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Haemophilus, and Influenza. IPV is more efficient as compared to OPV. IPV increases the intestinal immunity of the kids who have been immunized with OPV.
• In 2014, India was declared polio-free.Over the years, immunisation has proved to be the most vital tool in controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases.

On this edition of IN DEPTH, we'll talk about the significance of immunisation in detail, the relevance and purpose of Vaccination Day and the various immunisation programmes in India. We'll also give you a brief history of when and how the Immunisation Programme was launched in the country.