Telangana Launches Free Vaccination Program for Children

The government of Telangana is providing over a dozen life-saving vaccines free of charge, aimed at ensuring children receive essential immunizations from birth through adolescence. This initiative addresses a critical public health need, as vaccinations in private hospitals can cost between ₹200 and ₹9,000 per dose, depending on the specific vaccine.

Harichandana Dasari, the Hyderabad collector, emphasized the importance of comprehensive awareness campaigns in maintaining high immunization rates. According to Dasari, these efforts include door-to-door initiatives and close monitoring by community health workers known as ASHA and ANM. She stated, “Awareness should not only be about polio but about all vaccines available at UPHCs. Vulnerable parents spend thousands in private hospitals — if they trust government facilities for polio, they can do the same for other vaccines as well.”

Vaccination programs are organized every Wednesday and Saturday across the city. Puppala Sridhar, the immunization officer, explained that all vaccines are stored at cold chain points located within 91 Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) and are also available in major government hospitals, including Gandhi, Osmania, King Koti, and Niloufer. He assured that the immunization program is uniform across all districts in Telangana.

While the government provides a range of essential vaccines, five vaccines—specifically those for flu, typhoid, hepatitis A, chickenpox, and meningococcal—are not available in the public health sector. Private hospitals offer these optional vaccines beyond the government schedule.

Dr. Aparna C., clinical director of neonatology and head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at KIMS Cuddles, highlighted the importance of educating parents about additional vaccines. She advised that influenza vaccines are recommended for children aged 6-7 months, while typhoid vaccines are suggested for those aged 6-9 months. She noted that while the government provides the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, private facilities offer the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Education plays a critical role in vaccine adherence. Dr. Aparna noted that some parents forget their children’s vaccination schedules. However, increased awareness is encouraging them to return to clinics to check if missed vaccines can still be administered. She also pointed out that the cervical cancer vaccine is gaining traction among parents, reflecting a growing awareness and acceptance.

The government provides a comprehensive list of vaccines, which includes:

– Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis
– Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
– Hepatitis B vaccine
– Pentavalent vaccine (a five-in-one vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B)
– Rotavirus vaccine for gastroenteritis
– Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis
– Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine

Additionally, booster doses and other vaccines are available at designated facilities. This initiative not only enhances public health but also seeks to alleviate the financial burden on families who might otherwise be forced to spend considerable amounts on private healthcare services. As the program continues, the government aims to foster a healthier future for the children of Telangana.