Mission Indradhanush — Free Vaccination for Children

What is Mission Indradhanush?

Mission Indradhanush is the Government of India's comprehensive immunization drive to fully vaccinate all children under 2 years of age and pregnant women against vaccine-preventable diseases — reaching children who missed routine immunization.

The mission specifically targets unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children in underserved areas through intensive monthly vaccination campaigns.

Diseases Covered (12 Vaccines)

Plus TT (Tetanus Toxoid) for pregnant women.

Who is Eligible?

• All children from birth to 2 years — focus on unvaccinated/partially vaccinated
• Pregnant women — for TT vaccination
• Special focus areas: tribal areas, urban slums, conflict-affected areas, areas with low immunization

No registration, no documentation required — any child can be vaccinated free of cost at any government health centre.

Where to Get Vaccinated

• Anganwadi centres — routine immunization
• Sub-centres, PHCs, CHCs — all government health facilities
• Special Mission Indradhanush camps — organized once a month in identified areas
• Urban health centres in cities

Vaccination Schedule (Universal Immunization Programme — UIP)

Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI)

The Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 5.0) and subsequent rounds specifically target:

• Districts with lowest full immunization coverage
• Urban slums
• Migrant labour settlements
• Nomadic communities

Check your nearest ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) or Anganwadi worker for the next IMI drive in your area.

Immunization Card / MCP Card

Every child's vaccinations are recorded on the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card — a booklet given at birth at the government hospital or Anganwadi. Keep this safe — it tracks which vaccines are given and what's pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child missed the 6-week vaccination due to illness. Is it too late?

No — catch-up vaccination is available. Go to the nearest PHC or Anganwadi with the MCP card. The health worker will resume from where you left off. Vaccines can be given even if delayed.

Are the Mission Indradhanush vaccines safe?

All vaccines in the programme are WHO-prequalified and quality-checked by Indian government labs. They have been used in millions of children safely for decades.

My child is 18 months and hasn't received any vaccine. Can all be given now?

Yes — catch-up vaccination for multiple missed doses is done in a schedule. Go to the PHC immediately. The health worker will assess what's needed and create a catch-up plan.

Does Mission Indradhanush replace routine vaccination?

Mission Indradhanush supplements routine immunization (RI). RI continues throughout the year at Anganwadis and PHCs. Mission Indradhanush is an intensive drive to catch up on missed children.

Official Links

• National Health Mission: nhm.gov.in
• Ministry of Health: mohfw.gov.in
• Immunization Schedule: nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=2&sublinkid=824
• IVRS helpline: 104 (national health helpline for immunization queries)