Publication: India Today
Date: 29.04.2026

Highlights the critical role of vaccination in protecting both children and pregnant women from serious and preventable diseases. The article explains how early immunisation safeguards infants against infections such as hepatitis B, polio, and pneumonia, while later vaccines like MMR and varicella prevent viral illnesses with long-term complications. It also emphasises the importance of maternal vaccination during pregnancy, including tetanus toxoid, influenza, and Tdap, which not only protect the mother but also provide early immunity to the newborn. According to Dr Harini Sreedharan, timely immunisation and adherence to recommended schedules are essential for safeguarding both maternal and child health. Addressing concerns around vaccine hesitancy, the coverage reinforces that Vaccination is a safe, rigorously tested, and essential public health measure. Expert insights underline the importance of regular consultations, booster doses, and staying up to date with immunisation schedules to ensure comprehensive protection and healthier outcomes.