Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Mission Indradhanush and Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, under the National Health Mission |
| Benefit | Free vaccines against 11 or more diseases for children and pregnant women |
| Who can apply | Children up to 2 years of age and pregnant women |
| How it is given | Free at government health centres, sub-centres and special immunisation sessions |
| Apply at | Your nearest government health centre, sub-centre or Anganwadi, or through the U-WIN and CoWIN portals |
| Cost to get it | Free |
Key points
- Vaccines protect children and mothers from serious, life-threatening diseases.
- Children under 2 and pregnant women are the main target.
- Special drives run in rounds, so check the dates in your area.
- Vaccines are free at government centres. Never pay an agent.
So what exactly does a child or a pregnant woman get?
Mission Indradhanush gives vaccines free of cost against several serious diseases.
The vaccines cover diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and meningitis and pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B.
Rotavirus and Japanese encephalitis vaccines are given in selected states and districts. Rubella and pneumonia vaccines were also added in later phases.
The vaccines are a safety net. They protect against infections that can be deadly for small children and mothers.
Who should get these vaccines?
The mission is meant for every child under two years of age.
It also covers every pregnant woman who has missed a dose or was left out of routine immunisation.
There is no income limit. Any child or pregnant woman in India can take the vaccines free at a government centre.
Children and pregnant women who missed earlier doses should also get the due doses now.
What is this mission, and why was it started?
The Universal Immunisation Programme began in 1978 as the Expanded Programme of Immunisation. It was modified in 1985.
Mission Indradhanush was launched on 25 December 2014 by the Union Health Ministry. It aims for full immunisation coverage for children and pregnant women.
It was intensified in 2017 as Intensified Mission Indradhanush, and later drives like IMI 4.0 and 5.0 followed.
- 1978The Universal Immunisation Programme began as the Expanded Programme of Immunisation.
- 1985The Universal Immunisation Programme was modified.
- 25 December 2014Mission Indradhanush was launched by the Union Health Ministry to reach full immunisation coverage.
- 2017It was intensified as Intensified Mission Indradhanush, and later drives like IMI 4.0 and 5.0 followed.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The drives focus on districts where many children and pregnant women still miss vaccines.
What should you keep ready when you go?
Carry the child's immunisation card, or the mother's pregnancy card if you have one.
Keep the mother's and child's Aadhaar card or birth details ready, if you have them.
If you use the CoWIN or U-WIN portal, keep your registered mobile number handy.
Bring any earlier vaccination records, so the health worker knows which doses are due.
How do you get the vaccines, step by step?
Visit your nearest government health centre, sub-centre or Anganwadi centre. Ask for the routine vaccination day.
You can also watch for special Mission Indradhanush sessions in your village or town. Announcements are made in advance.
Your ASHA worker or ANM can tell you the dates and where the session is held.
Health workers may also visit your home to find children and mothers who missed doses.
What if a dose is missed, or you are not sure?
Do not worry. Go to the nearest centre and ask for the due doses. They can be given later.
Keep the vaccination card safe. It shows which doses are done and which are still due.
For help, ask your ASHA worker, ANM or the nearest primary health centre.
Beware of fraud. Vaccines are free at government centres, so never pay anyone for them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the vaccine really free?
Yes. Vaccines given under Mission Indradhanush at government centres are free of cost.
Can a pregnant woman get the vaccines too?
Yes. Pregnant women who missed doses are included in the mission.
Is there a last date to apply?
No fixed last date applies. Special drives run in rounds, so check dates locally.
What is the difference between routine immunisation and Mission Indradhanush?
Routine immunisation is given throughout the year. Mission Indradhanush adds special drives to reach children and mothers left out.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
