Universal immunization program in India: a review of childhood vaccine updates over the last decade (2014-2024).

OBJECTIVES

Immunization is a cornerstone of public health, protecting children from life-threatening, yet preventable diseases. Established as the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978, India's Universal Immunization Programme is the largest in the world and has undergone major transformations over the decades. This narrative review provides an overview of key developments in childhood immunization in India during the last decade (2014-2024).

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant English-language publications from January 2014 to December 2024.

RESULTS

The review examines four major dimensions: the introduction of new childhood vaccines under the Universal Immunization Programme; trends in vaccination coverage and persistent inequities in access; the implications of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on routine immunization; and recent advances in childhood vaccination within the Indian context.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings highlight India's substantial progress toward universal immunization, while underscoring the continuing challenges in achieving equitable, resilient, and sustainable vaccine delivery systems.