Maharashtra to launch Japanese Encephalitis vaccination in March
Maharashtra’s Public Health Department is finally set to roll out its long-overdue Japanese Encephalitis (JE) immunisation drive in March 2025. The initiative, which was originally scheduled for March 2024, had been inexplicably delayed. Now, the campaign will be conducted across Pune, Raigad, and Parbhani districts, along with municipal corporations in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Panvel. Public health officials have issued operational guidelines to ensure a seamless rollout. The state’s decision to push forward with the vaccination programme is a much-needed move to curb the spread of JE, a viral infection that primarily affects children and often results in severe neurological impairments or fatalities. The immunisation drive aims to protect over 5 million children aged between one and fifteen years, making it one of Maharashtra’s largest public health interventions in recent years.
The vaccination strategy aligns with the Government of India’s JE control framework, incorporating a one-time mass immunisation campaign followed by integration into the Routine Immunisation (RI) schedule. Under this system, children will receive their first dose between nine and twelve months of age, with a booster between sixteen and twenty-four months. Pune alone is expected to vaccinate around 11 lakh children, representing approximately 33% of its total population. Dr Rajesh Dighe, Immunisation Officer at the Pune Municipal Corporation, confirmed that training for health workers has been completed and cold storage infrastructure is in place. Each child will receive a 0.5 ml intramuscular injection—administered to the thigh in younger children and the deltoid muscle in adolescents—to ensure maximum effectiveness.
From a civic and urban health perspective, the initiative underscores Maharashtra’s ongoing battle against vector-borne diseases. Japanese Encephalitis remains the leading viral cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Asia, with a mortality rate exceeding 30%. Alarmingly, 70% of survivors suffer long-term neurological disabilities, making early vaccination crucial in mitigating its socio-economic burden. The delay in executing the campaign highlights persistent systemic challenges in India’s public health planning. Experts argue that the deferral could have resulted in preventable cases, further straining healthcare resources. Nevertheless, the programme’s launch in March marks a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s disease control efforts, setting a precedent for future vaccination strategies in endemic regions.
From a sustainability standpoint, the campaign is expected to significantly reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with JE-related disabilities. By preventing severe neurological disorders, the vaccination drive can lower dependence on medical infrastructure and rehabilitation services. Additionally, the initiative will lessen the economic impact on affected families, many of whom struggle with lifelong care expenses. Ensuring widespread immunisation can also contribute to achieving India’s broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing child mortality and improving overall public health. However, effective implementation requires continuous awareness campaigns, strong logistical coordination, and a commitment to timely execution to prevent further delays.
