The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan is the country’s largest and most successful public health program that provides completely free, life-saving vaccines to every child and pregnant woman. Run jointly by federal and provincial health departments with support from WHO, UNICEF and GAVI, EPI protects millions from 12 deadly yet preventable diseases every year and remains the backbone of child survival in Pakistan.
Here’s what you will master after reading this guide:
- ✅ Exact age-wise EPI vaccination schedule (birth to 15 months + boosters)
- ✅ Complete list of 12 diseases covered under routine EPI
- ✅ Step-by-step online registration & digital immunization certificate process
- ✅ Latest measles-rubella campaign updates and polio status
- ✅ Province-wise helplines, downloadable PDFs and authentic contacts
- ✅ Answers to every common parent question searched on Google
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Table Of Contents
What Exactly is the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan?
The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is Pakistan’s national, government-funded initiative that delivers free routine childhood and maternal vaccinations through more than 12,000 fixed centres and 400,000+ monthly outreach sessions. Launched in 1978, it currently protects against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has brought neonatal tetanus to near elimination in several provinces.
- ✅ Targets 7.5–8 million infants and 6 million pregnant women annually
- ✅ 100% free in all public health facilities and government outreach camps
- ✅ Supported by WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Rotary International
- ✅ Uses both fixed-site and door-to-door delivery via 100,000+ Lady Health Workers
When and Why Did Pakistan Start the EPI Program?
Pakistan officially started EPI on 1 July 1978 after joining WHO’s global Expanded Programme on Immunisation (1974). The urgent need arose because preventable diseases were killing tens of thousands of children yearly – measles alone claimed over 50,000 lives and polio paralysed 20,000–30,000 children annually in the 1970s.
Is EPI Vaccination Completely Free in Pakistan?
Yes – every single vaccine in the routine EPI schedule is 100% free across the entire country in all government hospitals, BHUs, RHCs, and outreach camps. No hidden charges for syringes, cards or administration.
| Service | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Full childhood schedule | Free | PKR 12,000–25,000 |
| Single MR dose | Free | PKR 800–2,000 |
| Tetanus toxoid (pregnancy) | Free | PKR 300–600 |
How Many Diseases Does EPI Cover in Pakistan Right Now?
EPI currently protects against 12 major vaccine-preventable diseases – the highest number in Pakistan’s history.
Complete List of 12 Diseases Covered by EPI Pakistan
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Poliomyelitis (OPV + IPV)
- Diphtheria (Pentavalent)
- Pertussis – Whooping Cough (Pentavalent)
- Tetanus (Pentavalent + TT for mothers)
- Hepatitis B (Pentavalent + birth dose)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b – Hib (Pentavalent)
- Pneumococcal pneumonia & meningitis (PCV-10)
- Rotavirus diarrhoea (Rota vaccine)
- Measles (MR vaccine)
- Rubella / Congenital Rubella Syndrome (MR vaccine)
- Typhoid fever (Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine – TCV)
Latest Child Vaccination Schedule in Pakistan – Age-Wise Official Chart
| Age / Visit | Vaccines Given | Route |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth (0–24 hrs) | BCG + OPV-0 + Hepatitis B birth dose | Injection + Oral |
| 6 Weeks | Pentavalent-1 + PCV-1 + Rota-1 + OPV-1 | Injection + Oral |
| 10 Weeks | Pentavalent-2 + PCV-2 + Rota-2 + OPV-2 | Injection + Oral |
| 14 Weeks | Pentavalent-3 + PCV-3 + IPV + OPV-3 | Injection + Oral |
| 9 Months | Measles-Rubella (MR-1) + Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) | Injection |
| 15 Months | Measles-Rubella (MR-2) + DTP booster | Injection |
Pregnant women: TT-1 (first contact), TT-2 (after 4 weeks), then booster every pregnancy.
Which Vaccines Are Given First at Birth and Why?
Within 24 hours of birth, every newborn receives:
- BCG (against severe TB) – single injection on right arm
- OPV-0 (first polio drops) – oral
- Hepatitis B birth dose – injection
These three are prioritised because newborns have almost no immunity and these diseases spread rapidly in the first days of life.
Can I Get Free EPI Vaccines from Private Clinics or Pharmacies?
Only selected private hospitals and clinics registered private practitioners are authorised to give government-supplied EPI vaccines free of cost or at minimal administrative charges. Always ask for the government-issued vaccination card.
How Effective is the EPI Program in Pakistan Right Now?
Latest coverage (administrative data + WHO-UNICEF estimates):
- Penta-3 coverage: 82–85% nationally
- Full immunization (12–23 months): 77–82%
- Punjab: 90%+
- Sindh: 68–72%
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 75–80%
- Balochistan: 38–45%
Success highlights:
- Neonatal tetanus eliminated in Punjab, Sindh & KP
- Hepatitis B carrier rate dropped from 7% to <2.5%
- Rotavirus hospital admissions down 50–60% since 2018
What Was the Latest Measles-Rubella (MR) Campaign in Pakistan?
The most recent nationwide MR campaign ran from 17–29 November and successfully vaccinated 34.6 million children aged 9 months to 15 years with 95%+ administrative coverage – one of the largest single-antigen campaigns in history.
How to Register Online & Get Digital Immunization Certificate in Pakistan
- Download “Zindagi – EPI Immunization App” (Android & iOS) or use Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline 1166
- Enter CNIC of parent + child’s B-Form / birth certificate number
- Receive digital card instantly + SMS reminders for next doses
- NADRA-integrated certificate accepted for school admission and travel
How to Download Official EPI Schedule PDF (Province-Wise)
All provinces publish updated PDFs every year:
- Federal EPI: epi.gov.pk → Resources
- Punjab: pshealth.punjab.gov.pk
- Sindh: epi.sindhhealth.pk
- KP: healthkp.gov.pk
- Balochistan & others available on request via 1166
Frequently Asked Questions – Expanded Program on Immunization Pakistan
Is EPI vaccination compulsory in Pakistan?
Not legally mandatory but strongly recommended. Many schools and madrassas now require vaccination cards.
What if my child misses a vaccine dose?
Catch-up vaccination is allowed up to 5 years of age with no restart needed.
Are there any side effects of EPI vaccines?
Mild fever or soreness is common and safe. Serious reactions occur in <1 in a million doses.
Can adults get free vaccines under EPI?
Only pregnant women receive free TT. Adults need private clinics for other vaccines.
How do I replace a lost vaccination card?
Visit nearest EPI centre with CNIC + B-Form → new card issued same day or download digital copy from Zindagi app.
When is National Immunization Day celebrated in Pakistan?
16 March every year – commemorating the official launch of EPI in 1978.
Who is called the global father of vaccination?
Edward Jenner (1796 – first smallpox vaccine). In Pakistan context, Dr. Halfdan Mahler (WHO) and local pioneers like Prof. Adibul Hasan Rizvi are celebrated.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on the latest official federal and provincial EPI guidelines, WHO-UNICEF estimates and GAVI reports. Always confirm with your nearest vaccinator for personalised advice.
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