Telangana Ensures Every Child’s Immunity With Free Vaccines

Hyderabad: The government, through the health ministry, provides more than a dozen life-saving vaccines free of charge, ensuring children are protected from birth to adolescence. While these vaccines are completely free in government facilities, in private hospitals the cost varies between Rs 200 and Rs 9,000 per dose, depending on the type of vaccine.

Hyderabad collector Harichandana Dasari told Deccan Chronicle It is stated that Telangana has maintained high vaccination coverage through awareness campaigns, door-to-door campaigns and close monitoring by ASHA and ANO workers. “Awareness should not only be about polio but also about all vaccines available in UPHCs. Vulnerable parents spend thousands of dollars in private hospitals; if they rely on government facilities for polio, they may do the same for other vaccines,” he said.

Vaccination officer Puppala Sridhar announced that vaccinations are carried out every Wednesday and Saturday in the city. “All vaccines are stored at cold chain points in 91 UPHCs and are also available in major government hospitals like Gandhi, Osmania, King Koti and Niloufer. The vaccination schedule is the same in all districts of Telangana,” he said.

Five vaccines for influenza, typhoid, hepatitis A, chickenpox and meningococcus are not available in the government sector. Private hospitals offer optional vaccinations beyond the government plan.

Clinical director of neonatology and head of NICU at KIMS Cuddles, Kondapur, Dr. Aparna C. said: “We advise parents on additional vaccinations for influenza (6-7 months), typhoid (6-9 months), hepatitis A, chickenpox and meningococcus. The government provides the MR vaccine, while private hospitals offer the MMR vaccine. We also educate mothers about the vaccine. They plan immediately after delivery, so they can plan accordingly.”

He added that while some parents forget their children’s vaccination schedules, education and awareness helps them go back to check if missed vaccinations can still be administered. He also emphasized that the cervical cancer vaccine is currently gaining awareness and acceptance among parents.

What the government provides

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis

Oral polio vaccine (OPV)

Vaccination against hepatitis B.

Pentavalent vaccine (five-in-one vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)).

hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib).

Rotavirus (gastroenteritis).

Conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) against pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis

Measles-rubella (MR) vaccine.

Vaccines are available in urban primary health centers (UPHCs) and tertiary government hospitals

Booster doses and additional vaccines are also available.