India has made significant strides in public health through immunisation, eradicating diseases like polio. However, gaps remain in leveraging vaccination opportunities fully, which could have long-term consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vaccine programmes globally but also highlighted the importance of immunisation for all age groups.

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• Immunisation is a global public health success after sanitation and water safety.
• Vaccines eradicated polio in India, but many vaccination opportunities remain unutilised.
• COVID-19 showcased the critical role of vaccination for all age groups.
• Pandemic lockdowns disrupted childhood vaccination worldwide.
• UNICEF 2023: 73 countries saw over 5% drop in childhood vaccination rates post-pandemic.
• Only 15 countries returned to pre-pandemic levels; 34 saw no recovery or worsening.
• India stood out as a recovery leader with strong vaccination initiatives.
• Completion of the third DPT vaccine dose marked India’s success.
• Adult vaccination awareness still low; more sensitisation efforts needed.
• Underutilisation of immunisation could lead to future public health challenges.