New Delhi, July 26 -- A simple injection, often given in seconds, can mean the difference between life and death, health and disability. Yet, even today, many children in India are missing out on life-saving vaccines, not because of lack of availability, but because of delayed decisions, misinformation and negligence. Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine. It has eradicated smallpox, almost eliminated polio worldwide, and significantly reduced the burden of measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis in children. However, this protective shield only works when applied in a timely and consistent manner.

Why are childhood vaccinations still urgent?

In July 2025, WHO and UNICEF jointly reported that while child...