Introduction : The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in India aims to protect new-borns and pregnant women by administering vaccines against 12 Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs). Tamil Nadu has excelled in immunization performance, achieving over 98% coverage, translating to approximately 1.4 crore vaccine doses administered annually. The Fully Immunized (FI) coverage for 2023-24 is reported at 98%, supported by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) Round 5, which shows an improvement to 90.4%.
To enhance immunization tracking and management, the U-WIN platform was launched in January 2023, integrating successful features from the Co-WIN system used during the COVID-19 vaccination drive. U-WIN focuses on individualized tracking of beneficiaries’ vaccination statuses, digitization of session planning, real-time updates on immunization record and generation of e-Vaccination certificate.
In Tamil Nadu the U-WIN platform was piloted in Dindigul and Erode on January 27, 2023, following extensive training from January 20-27. By August 1, 2023 U-WIN was successfully rolled out across Tamil Nadu, with significant training conducted for around 17,000 health personnel. However, challenges persist, including reluctance to input data, inconsistent scheduling of vaccination sessions, and delays in delivery outcome reporting.
Tamil Nadu has implemented a comprehensive strategy to improve the performance of the UWIN portal, enhancing digital tracking and immunization coverage. Key initiatives include regular performance reviews, refresher and scenario-based training for health workers, technical support for data entry, head-count surveys for accurate beneficiary registration, and expansion of vaccination sessions through Health and Wellness Centres. As a result, significant improvements were achieved in pregnant women registration, infant registration, and birth dose vaccination. Infrastructure and session site creation exceeded targets. Going forward, the introduction of a digital micro-plan with geo-tagging and enhanced supervisory tools aims to further optimize immunization services statewide.
Henceforth, U-WIN platform will be the platform for real time immunization recording and reporting and eVIN platform will oversee vaccine Stock and Cold Chain Management. API linkage between PICME and U-WIN is prioritized to reduce data entry for health workers, allowing more focus on community health.