IAPs perspectives on current vaccination scenario in India.

The current vaccination scene is marred by controversies and conflicts. In the absence of clear-cut policies, hardcore evidence, and lack of transparency in dealing with international agencies and donors, industry, academic bodies, and the media, the public health establishments dealing with vaccination are under unprecedented pressure from different quarters. Their policies are criticized by experts, openly questioned by the media, and dragged to the court by an emerging coterie of disbelievers often described as ‘anti-vaccine activists’. The government also seems a bit confused and scared to take head on these groups mainly fearing judicial intervention and their adverse decisions. The current controversy on the safety of pentavalent vaccines (DTwP-HepB-Hib), introduced recently in few more states is just one glaring example of the mess created by different stakeholders of the move in the government circles and their many adversaries outside the circle [1].