UNIVERSAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMME (UIP)
Introduction
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of the largest public health programmes in the
world and is a major component of the National Health Mission. It provides free vaccination
through the public health system to eligible beneficiaries against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched in India in 1978. It was expanded
and renamed the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985. UIP became a part of the Child
Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme in 1992, the Reproductive and Child Health Programme
in 1997, and is presently implemented under the National Health Mission.
Objectives of UIP
The major objectives are:
1. To reduce morbidity, mortality and disability due to vaccine-preventable diseases.
2. To provide free and equitable access to vaccination services.
3. To achieve and sustain high immunization coverage.
4. To ensure that every eligible child and pregnant woman receives all due vaccines at the
appropriate age.
5. To maintain India's polio-free status and elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus.
6. To accelerate progress towards measles and rubella elimination.
7. To strengthen surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases and Adverse Events Following
Immunization (AEFI).
8. To ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality vaccines through an effective cold-chain and
logistics system.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Covered
Under the established routine UIP, protection is provided against 12 vaccine-preventable
diseases.
Nationally covered diseases
1. Tuberculosis
2. Diphtheria
3. Pertussis (whooping cough)
4. Tetanus
5. Poliomyelitis
6. Hepatitis B
7. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease
8. Rotavirus diarrhoea
9. Measles
10. Rubella
11. Pneumococcal disease
Sub-nationally covered disease
12. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) – vaccination is provided in endemic districts.
Important recent development – 2026
A nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was launched on 28 February 2026 for 14-year-old girls
to prevent cervical cancer. A single dose of HPV vaccine is being provided free of cost at
government health facilities. The programme targets approximately 1.2 crore eligible girls across
all States and Union Territories.
NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
1. Pregnant Women
Vaccine When to give
Td-1 Early in pregnancy
Td-2 4 weeks after Td-1
Td Booster If 2 doses of Td were received in a pregnancy within the previous 3 years
2. Infants and Children
Age Vaccines
At birth BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B birth dose
6 weeks OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus Vaccine-1, fIPV-1, PCV-1
10 weeks OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, Rotavirus Vaccine-2
14 weeks OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, Rotavirus Vaccine-3, fIPV-2, PCV-2
9–12 months MR-1, PCV Booster, JE-1*
16–24 months MR-2, DPT Booster-1, OPV Booster, JE-2*
5–6 years DPT Booster-2
10 years Td
16 years Td
JE vaccine is given only in endemic districts.
2026 HPV Programme
14-year-old girls: Single-dose HPV vaccination under the nationwide cervical cancer prevention
campaign.
Major Components and Strategies of UIP
1. Routine Immunization
Vaccination services are provided through:
Fixed sessions at health facilities
Outreach immunization sessions
Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSNDs)
Special immunization drives
The beneficiaries are identified through due lists and tracking systems to ensure timely
completion of vaccination.
2. Mission Indradhanush
Mission Indradhanush was launched to identify and vaccinate children and pregnant women who
are:
Unvaccinated
Partially vaccinated
Living in low-coverage and high-risk areas
Its intensified versions focus on areas with persistent immunization gaps and help improve equity
in access to vaccination.
3. U-WIN Digital Platform
U-WIN is the digital platform for the Universal Immunization Programme. Its important functions
include:
Registration of beneficiaries
Recording of vaccination doses
Tracking of due and missed doses
Appointment and session information
Digital vaccination records and certificates
Improved follow-up of pregnant women and children
4. Cold Chain and Vaccine Logistics
The cold chain is the system of storing and transporting vaccines at recommended temperatures
from the manufacturer to the beneficiary so that vaccine potency is maintained.
Major cold-chain equipment includes:
Walk-in Coolers (WIC)
Walk-in Freezers (WIF)
Ice-Lined Refrigerators (ILR)
Deep Freezers
Cold Boxes
Vaccine Carriers
Ice Packs
Most vaccines at the service-delivery level are stored at +2°C to +8°C.
Proper temperature monitoring, stock management, vaccine vial monitoring and safe transport
are essential parts of the programme.
5. AEFI Surveillance
An Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) is any untoward medical occurrence following
immunization which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with vaccine administration.
The UIP includes:
Early detection of AEFI
Immediate management
Reporting and investigation
Causality assessment of serious AEFI
Risk communication
6. Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Disease surveillance is essential to assess the impact of vaccination. Important surveillance
activities include:
Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance for poliomyelitis
Measles-Rubella surveillance
Surveillance of other vaccine-preventable diseases
Laboratory confirmation and outbreak response
Conclusion
The Universal Immunization Programme is a cornerstone of preventive health care in India.
Through free routine immunization, Mission Indradhanush, a strong cold-chain system, AEFI and
disease surveillance, digital tracking through U-WIN and the recent HPV vaccination initiative,
the programme plays a vital role in preventing disease, disability and death and in improving
maternal, child and adolescent health.