Question

A universal immunization program was launched in the year
A) 1974
B) 1984
C) 1985
D) 1970

Answer 1

Hint:- Immunity refers to our body’s ability to fight off all foreign particles or infections caused by pathogens. Humans have innate/ native and adaptive/ acquired immunity. Innate immunity is present since birth and is our first line of defense. Adaptive immunity is acquired either after an infection (naturally) or via artificial means such as vaccines.

Complete solution:
● An immunization program involved the administration of vaccines to protect children from
crippling or fatal diseases.
● In 1978, the immunization program was introduced in India as the Expanded Program on
Immunization.
● In 1985, it was renamed Universal Immunization Program (UIP), the program was introduced in
rural India.
● In the year 1992, it included the immunization of pregnant women as well.
● UIP is the largest public health initiative taken by the Indian government and is responsible for
lowering the infant mortality rate.
● 12 vaccines for preventable diseases are provided free of cost.
● The vaccines help in the prevention of diseases such as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Rubella,
Measles, severe form of childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Polio.
● Japanese encephalitis vaccine is only given to children living in areas plagued with this particular
disease.
● Rotavirus vaccine administration in infants to prevent rotavirus diarrhea showed reduced
mortality rates.
● The government has plans to expand the vaccine administration all over the country.
So, the answer is an option C.

Note:- The government and the health department have put in quite a lot of effort to educate and encourage individuals to participate in the immunization program. Polio vaccine (oral) add campaigns to remind the masses to vaccinate their children The immunization program has been able to eradicate polio. The WHO declared India polio-free in the year 2014. The last known maternal and neonatal tetanus case was in the year 2015.