Explain the mechanism of action of vaccines. Give two examples where vaccines have eradicated diseases in India. What do you know about the Global Vaccine Action Plan 2011-2020 and Mission Indradhanush?
In short
Vaccines prime the immune system with a harmless antigen to create antibodies and memory cells, and they made India polio-free in 2014 and free of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015. WHO's GVAP sought universal vaccine access by 2020, while Mission Indradhanush (2014) targets full immunisation coverage.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 284 words
Herd Immunity and Community Protection
Widespread vaccination reduces disease transmission, protecting unvaccinated individuals by breaking infection chains, which is crucial in densely populated areas like India.
Polio Eradication
The Pulse Polio Programme1 achieved near-universal immunisation through mass campaigns and surveillance, leading to India’s polio-free status in 2014.
Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination
High tetanus toxoid vaccination coverage among pregnant women and improved childbirth hygiene eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus by 2015. Andhra Pradesh2 contributed despite health infrastructure gaps noted in the 2024 CAG audit.
Global Vaccine Action Plan (2011-2020)
WHO’s GVAP aimed to prevent millions of deaths by ensuring universal vaccine access, equity, integration with health systems, and monitoring progress through measurable targets, fostering global collaboration.
Mission Indradhanush
Initiated in 2014, it targeted full immunisation for children under two and pregnant women, increasing coverage growth from 1% to 6.7%, vaccinating over 3.19 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women across 528 districts. The 2017 Intensified Mission Indradhanush achieved 91.16% coverage by 2019-20. Andhra Pradesh leveraged frontline workers like ASHAs despite workforce vacancies.
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Human diseases; genetic engineering basics; biotechnology in agriculture; vaccines54 questions
Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Vaccines and immunisation, alongside GM crops/biotech agriculture.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2020 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.