Immunize India

The IAP-Immunizeindia service

IAP-Immunizeindia is a free of cost, vaccination reminder service, launched in April 2012. It is a national, non-profit initiative, promoted by The Indian Academy of Pediatrics.

IAP-Immunizeindia hopes to prevent half a million child deaths and disabilities in 3 years.

Lives of children - our focus

2.5 Million children under the age of 5 die every year in India* and another 1.8 Million are disabled for life.   

A major cause is that essential vaccinations, available free from the Government of India, are not given. Reasons -
            - parents' misplaced priorities
            - low awareness
            - busy lifestyles
            - forgetfullness

India has 700 million mobile phones which support Text Message Service or SMS (every family has a phone). A well promoted, national, Text Message reminder service will be the the most cost effective method of reminding parents that a vaccination is due.

Vaccination reminder services in several countries have been effective in increasing compliance by 20%.

How does it work?

Parents register for the service by texting the following text message from any mobile phone in India, to the national shortcode 566778. (Service not available for phones outside India)

Immunize <Space> <Baby’s first name> < Space> <Baby’s date of birth>

The phone will immediately receive a confirmation message.

Text message reminders will then be sent to the phone for 12 years, following the IAPCOI prescribed immunization schedule, which is followed by the Government of India.

3 reminders are sent, at 2 day intervals, for each essential vaccination that is due. An example of a reminder is - "Rekha is due for a vaccination this week, please do not forget to visit your doctor"

Reminders do not advertise, recommend or promote any vaccine brands or products. This is a non-profit, free service, supported only by grants and donations from individuals and institutions.

* Source- *Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS). 2006-2015. Available from: http://www.who.int/vaccines-documents/DocsPDF05/GIVS_Final_EN.pdf. Accessed on October 4, 2009.