Is Hepatitis B vaccination going to be another vertical programme ?
It is emphasized that introduction of Hepatitis B vaccine is not a separate vertical program. It is to be integrated in the existing routine/ universal immunization.One of the main consideration of selecting specific cities & districts for introducing this new vaccine is achievement of Immunization coverage of 80% or more under routine immunization of infants with the existing vaccines on the basis of coverage evaluation surveys. This strategy may be helpful to encourage more cities & districts to improve their routine immunization coverage as the program is expanded.The additional inputs being provided in cities/ districts selected for introduction of this new vaccine in the form of AD syringes, renewed emphasis on maintenance of cold chain, safe injection practices & safe disposal of AD syringes & needles are the opportunities to improve our system of universal immunization as a whole & not related only with introduction of Hepatitis B vaccine.
It is emphasized that introduction of Hepatitis B vaccine is not a separate vertical program. It is to be integrated in the existing routine/ universal immunization.One of the main consideration of selecting specific cities & districts for introducing this new vaccine is achievement of Immunization coverage of 80% or more under routine immunization of infants with the existing vaccines on the basis of coverage evaluation surveys. This strategy may be helpful to encourage more cities & districts to improve their routine immunization coverage as the program is expanded.The additional inputs being provided in cities/ districts selected for introduction of this new vaccine in the form of AD syringes, renewed emphasis on maintenance of cold chain, safe injection practices & safe disposal of AD syringes & needles are the opportunities to improve our system of universal immunization as a whole & not related only with introduction of Hepatitis B vaccine.The safe disposal of AD syringes & prope
