March 19, 2024
Paediatrics

New Immunization Schedule of Nepal 2018 : Vaccines

  • January 25, 2019
  • 5 min read
  • 4018 Views
New Immunization Schedule of Nepal 2018 : Vaccines

The National Immunization Programme (at the time known as the Expanded Programme on Immunization – EPI) was initiated in 1979 in three districts with only two antigens (BCG and DPT) and was rapidly expanded to include all 75 districts with all six recommended antigens (BCG, DTP, OPV, and measles) by 1988.

In 2003, with the support of the GAVI Alliance, monovalent Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine was introduced, which was later administered as a single tetravalent (DPT-HepB) injection. In 2009, vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b was introduced through out the nation in a phase wise manner starting in Far Western (FWDR) and Western (WDR) Development Regions. Also in 2009, Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine was introduced into the routine immunizationprogramme in 16 JE endemic districts following JE mass vaccination campaigns.

The National Immunization schedule of Nepal has included Rota viral vaccine over existing 11 Antigens. Rota virus is the leading cause of Acute viral diarrhea in children and leads to substantial mortality and morbidity. The vaccine is given Orally  at 6 and 10 weeks. The proposed Rota viral vaccine has been postponed for this fiscal year.

About Fractional dose of IPV : As an alternative to the intramuscular injection of a full dose of IPV, countries may consider using fractional doses (1/5 of the full IPV dose) via the intradermal route.In the context of an IPV shortage, countries should consider instituting a 2-dose fractional dose schedule, where feasible,  fIPV has been introduced at 6 and 14 weeks in our schedule as recommended by WHO.

The New Immunization schedule of Nepal ( NIP): 2018

NIP activity history

Ye ar Activity
1979         Started immunization program with BCG and OPV in three districts.
1988         Nationwide immunization program with BCG, OPV, DTP, Measles.
1996         First nationwide polio immunization campaign.
1998 
        Polio Eradication Nepal (PEN) was established with four surveillance field offices.         Nepal National Certification Committee was formed.         Surveillance Medical Officers hired by WHO to support polio eradication activities.         International and national review for polio eradication initiatives
2000
        Last reported indigenous case of poliomyelitis in Nepal.
2001


        Program expands to 14 surveillance field offices (10 in 2005).         National Expert Review Committee starts virological classification of AFP cases.         AFP surveillance achieves internationally accepted standards.
2002         National Task Force for Laboratory Containment of wild poliovirus formed.         TT campaign was initiated (2002-2004, for age 11 to 39 and 15 to 45 years)
2003         Measles and tetanus surveillance integrated into AFP surveillance network.         National Public Health Laboratory accredited by WHO as a National Laboratory for Measles surveillance.         National immunization injection safety policy         Hepatitis B included in the routine immunization schedule.
2004
        Surveillance for acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) for Japanese encephalitis (JE) integrated into AFP surveillance.         Nationwide Measles catch up immunization campaign initiated (2004-2005, in three phases).
2005         Neonatal tetanus elimination achieved.         Sentinel surveillance for Haemophilus Influenzae type b initiated.         Immunization Officers hired to support routine immunization.         School immunization was initiated with TT for student (grade 1, 2 and 3) in 8 districts
2006         Japanese encephalitis catch up campaigns initiated in high risk districts.         International and national AFP surveillance review.
2007         Measles case-based surveillance initiated.
2008         Measles follow up campaign integrated with OPV nationwide (in two phases).         Rubella burden of disease studies initiated.         National Committee for Immunization Practice Formed.
2009         Hib vaccine included in the routine immunization schedule.         JE vaccine included in the routine immunization schedule in 17 districts that completed catch up campaigns.         EPI coverage survey.         Sentinel surveillance site for rotavirus initiated.         Sentinel sites for Hib disease expanded to include pneumococcal disease.         Initiated pneumonia surveillance to support H5N1, H1N1 influenza through AFP surveillance network.         Provided technical support for cholera outbreak in Mid West Development Region.
2010         International and national review of vaccine preventable diseases and EPI.

COMPILED by Dr Sujit Shrestha

About Author

Editor

2 Comments

  • Dr. Sujit Sherestha – this is great information, thank you for sharing. How about the Pneumococcal vaccine in children? Has that been incorporated in the routine immunization?

    • Yes, PCV10 is now given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 9 months.

Comments are closed.