Gurugram Launches Week-Long Immunization Drive for Slum Residents

In a significant public health initiative, the Gurugram district health department is set to launch a week-long immunization campaign targeting children under five years old in slum areas across the city, beginning in late June 2025. The campaign aims to deliver crucial vaccines that are part of the National Immunization Schedule, including vaccines for polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis B. This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance immunization rates and prevent disease outbreaks in high-density, low-income communities, where access to healthcare services is often limited.

According to Dr. Jaiprakash Rajliwal, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Gurugram, the campaign's scope has expanded from an initial focus on five major slums to encompass all informal settlements in the region. "This is a crucial opportunity for parents to ensure their children are protected from preventable but serious diseases. We request all guardians to bring their children to the nearby vaccination centres and be part of this important public health effort," Dr. Rajliwal stated.

The immunization drive will rely heavily on the work of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers, who have conducted door-to-door surveys to identify children who missed their scheduled vaccinations. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that no eligible child is left behind. Health workers will also conduct home visits for children unable to reach vaccination centres due to illness or other barriers.

A child is considered fully immunized after receiving a series of vaccinations: the BCG vaccine at birth for tuberculosis, three doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV), three doses of the pentavalent vaccine (which covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b), and the Measles-Rubella vaccine at nine months. The health department has compiled a list of children based on survey results to track immunization progress and address any gaps in coverage in real time.

This immunization initiative reflects a commitment to improving public health outcomes in Gurugram and aligns with national efforts to increase vaccination coverage among vulnerable populations. According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, immunization coverage in slum areas remains critically low, contributing to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Experts emphasize that such campaigns are vital in bridging the healthcare access gap in marginalized communities.

As the campaign approaches, health officials remain optimistic about its potential impact. "Increasing immunization rates is not just about protecting individual children; it's about safeguarding entire communities and preventing the resurgence of diseases that can have devastating effects," remarked Dr. Priya Mehta, a public health expert at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

In conclusion, the week-long immunization drive in Gurugram represents a critical intervention aimed at ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have access to life-saving vaccines. With comprehensive planning and community involvement, health officials hope to achieve significant improvements in immunization rates and enhance overall public health in the region. Continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments to the campaign will be essential to its success, ensuring that every child receives the vaccinations they need to thrive.