Routine immunisation in India.

Vaccine preventable diseases have been reduced in the country since the routine immunisation programme started in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, then in 1985 renamed as Universal Immunisation Programme. Re-emergence of some vaccine preventable disease is a concern to all and the Government of India has launched a new multiyear plan to strengthen the routine immunisation. A number of recommendations was made to address the weaknesses in the programme. Some newer initiatives were also made under the multiyear plan and National Rural Health Mission to strengthen the routine immunisation. The general practitioners can play a positive role while immunising children as per Universal Immunisation Programme. Routine immunisation is one of the key components of polio eradication.