India's infant immunisation drive comes to a halt over Covid-19 fear

Health activists seek door-to-door drive; protocol to start 'catch-up' immunisation

Anshita Khanna (name changed) has a three-month-old daughter. Despite living in Navi Mumbai, close to large corporate hospitals, Khanna has not been able to take her baby to the paediatrician for regular check-ups and important vaccinations, fearing that she will expose the infant to the risk of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
 

The paediatrician's clinic too is closed, but he has assured that 'catch-up' immunisation drives will be held soon.
 

Immunisation against deadly diseases is beyond the scope of telemedicine. And healthcare experts caution that countries like India must not let down their guards, lest there be an outbreak of preventable diseases