Health Minister of Goa launches India’s first dedicated life-course immunisation policy, 2026–2036

With an aim to strengthen protection against vaccine-preventable diseases across adulthood, the Government of Goa has launched India’s first dedicated Life-course Immunisation Policy 2026–2036.

Titled “Goa Policy for Life-course Immunisation 2026–2036”, the policy and its operational guidelines were developed by the Directorate of Health Services, Goa, in collaboration with Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and Goa Medical College, drawing on consultations with experts at the state and national levels.

Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, Minister for Health, Government of Goa, formally released the policy, making Goa the first state in the country to adopt a dedicated policy focused on life-course immunisation. The ten-year state policy is designed to extend the benefits of vaccination beyond childhood and integrate adult vaccination into routine healthcare.

Speaking at the launch, Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane emphasised the importance of extending immunisation beyond childhood. He said, “The Goa Policy for Life-course Immunization 2026–2036 reflects our commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare, promoting healthy ageing and protecting adults who are particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. I believe this forward-looking approach presents an opportunity for Goa to demonstrate leadership in prevention-oriented healthcare and contribute valuable experience to the country.”

The policy addresses vulnerabilities of adults living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, kidney disease and cancer account for a substantial share of Goa’s disease burden, while individuals living with these conditions can face an increased risk of severe illness from vaccine-preventable infections.

The first phase of implementation will focus on pneumococcal, influenza and hepatitis B vaccination for eligible adults. Beneficiaries will include people living with diabetes and chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases, cancer, immunocompromised individuals, as well as healthcare and other frontline workers, in accordance with the policy's eligibility criteria.

For this, specialist and NCD clinics at Goa Medical College and district hospitals will identify eligible patients and facilitate vaccination.

The policy implementation framework will include centralised vaccine procurement and cold-chain capacity, digital tracking of vaccination coverage, and monitoring of adverse events following immunisation.