Goa Introduces India’s First Dedicated Life-Course Immunization Policy

Goa has become the first state in India to introduce a dedicated policy aimed at extending routine vaccination beyond childhood. The state adopted its Policy for Life-course Immunization 2026–2036 on September 23, marking a shift towards a broader approach to vaccination across different stages of life.

The first phase of the programme will focus on influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis B vaccines for selected adult groups. These include people living with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised individuals and healthcare workers. The policy has been developed with the objective of incorporating adult immunisation more systematically into routine healthcare services.

According to the World Health Organization’s Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, the policy was developed through collaboration between government officials, clinicians and researchers. The process considered disease patterns, economic evidence, clinical requirements and practical issues related to delivering vaccines through existing health services.

Researchers and health officials examined a range of potential priority groups before identifying populations considered to be at greater clinical risk. More than a dozen risk groups and several candidate vaccines were reviewed during the process. Expert consultations involving institutions and organisations from across India also contributed to the final priorities.

The research initially identified influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines as short-term priorities. The first rollout, however, includes the first three vaccines, with operational guidelines developed for their integration into existing healthcare services.

Goa plans to monitor vaccination coverage, programme performance and implementation challenges as the policy progresses. The information gathered during implementation will be used to refine the programme over time.

The initiative also provides a framework for examining how adult vaccination can be incorporated into broader health planning as the state responds to an ageing population and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.

02-10-2026