How many vaccine-preventable diseases are covered under the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) of India?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

AIIMS NORCET 8 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2025

Attempt Online

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 12 vaccine-preventable diseases

Rationale:

The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) of India is a program designed by the government to ensure that children and adults receive vaccines to prevent specific diseases. It includes vaccines that target diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality.
The NIS currently covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, making this the correct answer. The diseases included under the schedule are tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, rubella, rotavirus diarrhea, Japanese encephalitis (JE), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and pneumococcal pneumonia.
These vaccines are provided free of cost under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) to ensure equitable access to health services.

Explanation of Other Options:

Option 1: 8

Rationale: While the number of vaccine-preventable diseases covered under the NIS was lower in the past, advancements in immunization programs have increased the coverage to 12 diseases. Hence, 8 is incorrect and outdated.

Option 2: 10

Rationale: Although the NIS has expanded over time, 10 vaccine-preventable diseases were covered in earlier versions of the schedule. However, newer vaccines like pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) have been added, raising the total to 12. Therefore, 10 is incorrect.

Option 4: 14

Rationale: While 14 diseases might be a future goal for expanded immunization coverage, the current NIS covers 12 diseases. Hence, 14 is not correct at present.

Additional Information:

The National Immunization Schedule is a critical component of India's public health policy, aiming to reduce child mortality and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccines under the schedule are provided at different stages of life, starting from birth, infancy, childhood, and into adulthood as needed.
India has made significant progress in immunization coverage, with initiatives like Mission Indradhanush aiming to reach every child and pregnant woman who has been left out of routine immunization programs.
Continuous monitoring and periodic updates to the NIS ensure alignment with global health standards and address emerging public health challenges.

Conclusion:

The National Immunization Schedule of India currently covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. This reflects the government's commitment to improving the health of its population through comprehensive immunization programs.