> Immunization Programme

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After eradication of small pox, World Health Oraganisation has launched Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) against six childhood diseases namely Diptheria, Pertusis (whooping cough) Tetanus, Measles, Poliomyelitis and Childhood Tuberculosis.

Tamil Nadu started Immunisation Programme against these six vaccine preventable diseases during 1978.

Annually 12.0 lakh pregnancy women and 11.0 lakh infants have been benefited? by Immunisation Programme. In addition to the routine services, emphasis is given on the following:

1. Sustaining 100% coverage of all infants and mothers.

100% coverage is being ensured to all infants and mothers for giving protectionagainst vaccine preventable diseases.

2. Implementation of Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) for eradication of Poliomyelitis.

Tamil Nadu had successfully conducted six Pulse Polio Immunisation campaigns during the period from 1995-1996 to 2000-2001 covering around 65 to 73 lakhs of under five year children administering additional doses of Oral Polio Vaccine in each campaign with full involvement of District Collectors and other concerned Departments and Voluntary Organisations.

During this year 2001-2002 it is proposed to conduct two rounds of Pulse Polio Immunisation campaign on 2.12.2001 and 20.1.2002.

In order to achieve 100% coverage of all under five children, intensified pulse polio immunisation strategy will be adopted this year also which includes house to house component. Those children who do not come to the booth on the first day of the pulse polio immunisation during house to house search in the 2nd and 3rd days.

Due to the successful implementation of pulse polio immunization for the past six years, there is no polio incidence in the state since 2000 to till date.