## Vaccines in India's UIP **Key Point:** Varicella vaccine is **NOT** part of the routine Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in India. It is an optional vaccine available in the private sector. ### Vaccines Included in UIP | Vaccine | Age of Administration | Status in UIP | |---------|----------------------|---------------| | Hepatitis B | Birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks | ✓ Included | | Rotavirus | 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks | ✓ Included | | Measles | 9–12 months (MR/MMR) | ✓ Included | | Varicella | 12–15 months | ✗ NOT included | | Pneumococcal (PCV) | 6, 10, 14 weeks + booster | ✓ Included | | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) | 6, 10, 14 weeks + boosters | ✓ Included | **High-Yield:** Varicella vaccine is available in India through private immunisation programs but is not funded under the government UIP. It is recommended for high-risk groups (immunocompromised, healthcare workers) and those seeking protection. ### Why Varicella Is Not in UIP 1. **Cost-effectiveness:** Varicella is generally a self-limiting disease in healthy children 2. **Burden of disease:** Lower morbidity/mortality compared to vaccine-preventable diseases in UIP 3. **Resource allocation:** Government prioritises diseases with higher public health impact **Clinical Pearl:** Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine (Oka strain) and is contraindicated in immunocompromised children — a reason for its exclusion from routine UIP in a country with high prevalence of immunosuppression.
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