LUCKNOW: A drop of over 10 percentage points was recorded in the rate of routine immunisation of women during the pandemic, shows data of the state health department.
The immunisation coverage in 2019-20 was 94% which fell to 84% in 2020-21. The rate went further down in 2021-22 (till January) to rest at 81%.
Alarmed over the fall and to cover pregnant women and children under two years of age who missed their routine immunisation doses during pandemic, the health department launched a seven-day special drive on Monday.
Known as Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0, the drive aims to cover more than 2.8 lakh expectant mothers and 9.1 lakh children over the next seven days. The drive involves 1.3 lakh immunisation sessions.
The Union health ministry had identified 56 districts to be covered in the drive on priority, but UP decided to launch the drive across all 75 districts.
A house-to-house listing between January 24 and 29 was conducted. A follow-up was undertaken from February 25 to 28.
General manager, immunisation, Dr Manoj Shukul urged people due for their routine vaccines and their families to come and get vaccinated.
On why there was a drop in routine immunisation, he said: “Fear among people and fewer sessions led to the dip. Health teams were engaged in pandemic control activities. Now, we hope to catch up.”
