Debunking myths and misconceptions round immunisation or vaccination in India

Immunisation, also referred to as vaccination, is a vital device in stopping and controlling the unfold of infectious diseases because it entails administering a vaccine, which is a preparation containing weakened or inactivated microorganisms or elements of microorganisms, to stimulate the immune system to supply a protecting response in opposition to particular illnesses. In different phrases, immunisation goals to guard people from infectious illnesses by offering immunity with out the individual having to expertise the precise illness and thereby helps forestall sickness, issues and even loss of life related to these illnesses.

When a major proportion of the inhabitants is vaccinated in opposition to a illness, it reduces its unfold and protects susceptible people who can’t be vaccinated, akin to infants, the aged and people with compromised immune programs. Immunisation in India is a important part of the nation’s public well being packages and the Government of India, by way of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, implements the Universal Immunisation Program (UIP) to supply free immunisation companies to all eligible people, notably kids and pregnant ladies.

Although India has launched one of many world’s largest vaccination drives to inoculate its huge inhabitants in the course of the Covid-19, myths and misconceptions round vaccination proceed to persist. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vishal Sehgal, President at Portea Medical, shared, “The core idea behind giving a vaccine is to introduce a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen into the body to stimulate antibody production. The production of these antibodies facilitate a more rapid immune response to disease-causing agents. Failure to vaccinate may result in delayed immune response times, with potentially fatal consequences as observed in cases such as measles and whooping cough.”

According to him, among the frequent myths in India are –

• Vaccines are dangerous and may trigger autism, infertility or different adversarial results.
• Natural immunity is healthier than immunity from vaccines.
• Vaccines are a Western conspiracy to depopulate creating nations.
• Vaccines are usually not wanted since infectious illnesses have been eradicated.
• Vaccines can weaken the immune system and make folks extra prone to infections.

He urged, “Effective dissemination of fact-based information is crucial in eliminating vaccine hesitancy and addressing the five Cs- Confidence, Complacency, Convenience, Communication and Context. Regular monitoring of health conditions through Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostics is vital in determining the success of immunization and medical services. The government has made it mandatory for every hospital and primary healthcare centre under its regulation to conduct regular immunization drives. Several multi-purpose health workers and social health activists also go about promoting and canvassing the benefits of this immunization programme among rural communities. The need of the hour is for both public and private stakeholders to come together and address the challenges around awareness and eliminate the prevalent myths.”

Runam Mehta, CEO at HealthDice, revealed, “The challenges in vaccinating the large population in India include limited access, hoarding of vaccines by wealthy nations, and vaccine inequity. Apart from addressing these issues, it is also important to spread awareness through fact-based information and eliminate myths about vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy is a recurring challenge and a roadblock in achieving the goal of universal healthcare. The major reasons are lack of trust in the quality and effectiveness of the vaccines, misinformation about side effects and also, cultural and religious beliefs.”

She really helpful, “Apart from this, to determine the success of immunization and medical services, regular monitoring of health conditions through POC diagnostics is essential. POC diagnostics can help detect and manage vaccine-preventable diseases, while regular monitoring can provide evidence of the effectiveness of immunisation programs, building confidence and trust among the population. The government has been proactively taking steps to introduce policies that support POC diagnostics, vaccination, and continuous healthcare monitoring through telemedicine practices aiming to aim to improve healthcare accessibility and delivery, especially in the remotest corners of India, ultimately helping to address vaccine hesitancy, spread awareness and improve immunisation coverage.”