Immunization is the most successful and cost-effective health intervention worldwide. Immunization Programme in India was introduced in the 1978 as ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization’ (EPI) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Even though there has been a gradual increase in immunization coverage but only 76.4% of Indian infants receive full immunization within the first year of their birth leaving millions out in vulnerable state, putting them and their communities at greater risk of communicable diseases and deadly outbreaks.

The Measles outbreak in Mumbai and nearby districts created a havoc as many children were infected and some even lost their lives. Jivika’s VaccineOnWheels in partnership with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation supported the Government healthcare system in providing the routine immunization vaccines and measles vaccine through mobile vaccination units in slums of Mumbai.

During the vaccination camp our team come across many refusal cases due to vaccine hesitancy. Our team counsel them and made them understand the importance of routine immunization. Our team came across one such refusal case in Sakinaka, where a nine-month-old boy, named Abdul Khan had not received even a single dose of vaccine. His parents were counselled, and he was vaccinated with the scheduled vaccines including Measles vaccination.. Jivika ensures safety to children by making vaccine accessible to them within their communities.