National Vaccination Day (March 16, 2023)

National Vaccination Day is observed all over India on March 16 to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and to reduce child mortality. The main objective of National Vaccination Day is to ensure full immunization for children up to two years of age and pregnant women against seven vaccine-preventable diseases.

The seven diseases against which vaccination is given are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis (polio), tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B. We have shared more information about vaccination and National Vaccination Day 2023 here.

National Vaccination Day 2023

Through National Vaccination Day, the government of India acknowledges the efforts of the workers engaged in vaccination programs. India has achieved immense success in eradicating diseases such as polio, measles, etc. through its vaccination programs. Vaccination Day also raises awareness about the importance of immunization.

The government of India is consistently trying to get as many people vaccinated as possible to reduce the infant mortality rate. Here, we have shared a brief overview of National Vaccination Day:

Vaccination Day - Significance

National Vaccination day is a nationwide annual observance in India. As part of celebrations for this day, healthcare workers go door-to-door and administer vaccines to children under five years old. This program also targets pregnant women in urban slums and rural areas. Vaccination Day is considered significant for the following reasons:

• This day commemorates the day on which the first polio shot was given in India.
• National Vaccination Day is a great opportunity to highlight healthcare workers, who often go unnoticed despite their efforts to save lives.
• This day is important because people learn the value of immunization on this day.
• A dedicated Vaccination Day may encourage people to go and get vaccinated.

National Immunization Day - History

National Vaccination Day is observed each year in India on March 16. The day marks the start of a country-wide pulse polio vaccination program in 1995. The Government of India initiated the program to eradicate polio by administering polio drops to all children less than five years of age, irrespective of their previous vaccination status.

National Immunization Day is a reminder of how successful India’s vaccination campaigns have been. According to WHO data, over 324 million children were vaccinated between 2017-2020 in the country.

Why was Vaccination Day Started?

National Vaccination Day was started to tackle the cases of polio in the country. Here is why this day was started:

• Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease that can result in paralysis, disability, and even death.
• Dr Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine in 1952.
• He tested it on himself, his family, and his laboratory staff.
• Following this, he tested it on a group of adults and children who had never suffered from polio before.
• His vaccine was very effective in preventing polio caused by one of three viruses that cause the disease.
• The day on which the first polio shot was given in India is celebrated as National Vaccination Day.

How to Celebrate National Vaccination Day

Observing Vaccination Day aims to raise awareness about disease prevention against various life-threatening diseases through vaccination. Here is how this day is celebrated in the country:

• On National Vaccination Day, government health workers fan out to administer polio drops to children below five years of age.
• The day is commemorated in collaboration with UNICEF ( United Nations Children's Fund) and WHO (World Health Organization).
• The vaccination drive is conducted every year on a specified date.
• National Vaccination Day reminds Indians that they successfully eradicated the disease through the Pulse Polio initiative by administering the oral polio vaccine to all children under five years of age.

FAQs on National Vaccination Day

Q1. When is National Vaccination Day celebrated?

National Vaccination Day is celebrated on March 16 every year. It is a day to highlight the achievements of the country in eradicating diseases such as polio. More importantly, National Vaccination Day is also an occasion to acknowledge the achievements of healthcare workers.

Q2. When was National Vaccination Day celebrated for the first time?

National Vaccination Day was celebrated on March 16, 1955, for the first time in India. On that day, the first ever polio vaccine was used in India. Therefore, Vaccination Day commemorates this special event. It is a reminder of how far we have come as a nation in immunizing our people against deadly diseases.

Q3. What is the theme of National Vaccination Day 2023?

The theme of National Vaccination Day 2023 revolves around highlighting the efforts of frontline workers. Every year, thousands of workers and volunteers make it possible to carry out vaccination programs and campaigns in India. Vaccination Day gives these people the recognition that they deserve for their efforts.

Q4. What is the significance of National Vaccination Day?

National Vaccination Day was started in 1995 to promote vaccination against poliomyelitis. The National Immunization Programme is aimed at eradicating polio in India. It was initiated to reach every child under five years of age, irrespective of whether they reside in urban or rural areas.

Q5. National Vaccination Day was started against which disease?

National Vaccination Day was started against poliomyelitis diseases, which is more commonly known as polio. Vaccination Day in India commemorates the day on which the first polio shot was given. Therefore, National Vaccination Day is celebrated on March 16 every year.

Q6. How to celebrate National Vaccination Day?

To celebrate National Vaccination Day, you can take ideas from the following:

• Educate yourself about the importance of vaccination and raise awareness among others.
• Be a part of the Vaccination Day campaigns on social media to make people aware.
• Ensure that you, your family and your friends are vaccinated.
• On National Vaccination Day, you can donate to organizations that carry out vaccination programs for the poor.
• Volunteer as a frontline worker for vaccination campaigns.