Raj’s vaccine turnaround: Bharatpur, Alwar and Deeg cross state average

Jaipur: Three districts once flagged for low vaccine uptake—Alwar, Bharatpur and Deeg—have recorded significant gains in full immunisation coverage, marking a turnaround in areas long affected by resistance and misinformation, health officials said Tuesday during World Immunisation Week (April 24–30).

The improvement follows an intensified drive targeting “uncovered” pockets after Deeg reported seven child deaths due to diphtheria in 2024, underlining the risks of low vaccination and prompting urgent intervention by the health department.

According to a department report released Tuesday, Deeg registered a 5% rise in full immunisation coverage, taking the figure to 90.7%. In 2025–26, 32,306 children were identified for vaccination in the district, of whom 29,289 were fully immunised by March 2026.

Officials said misinformation and long-standing myths around vaccines had earlier fuelled resistance in several communities. To counter this, health teams stepped up awareness campaigns, door-to-door outreach and counselling efforts to build trust and encourage families to vaccinate their children.

“There were some pockets in districts but now people are aware about importance of vaccination. As a result of that, we have registered a jump of 2% in full immunization in 2025-26 taking full immunisation coverage in the state to 89.5%,” said Dr Raghuraj Singh, project director (immunisation), health department.

Alwar also improved its performance, recording a 2.3% increase in full vaccination coverage to reach 90.6%, placing it above the state average. Bharatpur posted the sharpest improvement in Rajasthan, with an 18.3% jump, taking its coverage to 89.7%. In the district, 44,441 children were targeted, and 39,863 were fully vaccinated.

Health authorities said the progress in these districts signals a broader shift in the state’s immunisation programme, especially in areas once marked by hesitation and distrust.

Doctors also emphasised the importance of adult vaccination. “Vaccination is not just for children. Protection can fade with time, and health risks increase with age. Adult vaccines help prevent severe illness, hospitalisation, and lasting complications,” said Dr Ajit Singh, additional superintendent, SMS Hospital, noting its importance for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

Officials said the gains demonstrate how sustained outreach and community engagement can improve vaccine acceptance and reduce preventable child deaths.
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