Introduction

Immunoprophylaxis is the prevention of disease by the production of active or passive immunity. The incidence of dis-eases, such as diphtheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, poliomyelitis, and tetanus, has declined dramatically as vaccination has become more common.

Vaccination is a cost-effective weapon for disease prevention. Use of vaccines has contributed solely in the eradication of small-pox, one of mankind’s long-standing and most terrible scourges. Since October 1977, not a single naturally acquired smallpox case has been reported anywhere in the world. Other diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and poliomyelitis, also known as “vaccine preventable diseases” have been successfully brought down to negligible levels in most developed nations and in some cases in the developing nations as well.

Immunity to infectious microorganisms can be achieved by active or passive immunization. In each case, immunity can be acquired either by natural processes  or by artificial means, such as injection of antibodies or vaccines. The agents used for inducing passive immunity include antibodies from humans or animals, whereas active immunization is achieved by inoculation with microbial pathogens that induce immunity but do not cause disease or with antigenic components from the pathogens.

Active Immunization

Active immunization can be achieved by natural infection with a microorganism, or it can be acquired artificially by administration of a vaccine. In active immunization, as the name implies, the immune system plays an active role. Proliferation of antigen-reactive T and B cells results in the formation of memory cells. Active immunization with various types of vaccines has played an important role in the reduction of deaths from infectious diseases, especially among children. Vaccines may be live attenuated, killed, or in the form of toxoids.

Passive Immunization

Passive immunization is carried out by administration of human and animal sera, which serve as the readymade source of pre-pared antibodies against a particular pathogen. These are given to an individual to confer immediate protection against particular pathogen. The immunity, however, is of short duration.

Immunization Schedule

Following the successful global eradication of small-pox in 1975 through effective vaccination programs and strengthened surveillance, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched in India in 1978 to control other vaccine preventable diseases. Initially, six diseases were selected: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid, and childhood tuberculosis. The aim was to cover 80% of all the infants. Subsequently, the program was universalized and renamed as Universal Immunization Program (UIP) in 1985. Measles vaccine was included in the program and typhoid vaccine was discontinued. In 1992, the UIP became a part of the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme (CSSM), and in 1997, it became an important component of the Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH). The cold-chain system was strengthened and training programs were launched extensively throughout the country. Intensified polio eradication activities were started in 1995–1996 under the Polio Eradication Programme, beginning with National Immunization Days (NIDs) and active surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP).

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