Need to implement Covid-19 learnings to strengthen routine immunisation

India has administered close to 1.3 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses and is steadily marching towards the goal of 100 percent vaccine coverage among its eligible population. While there still many unknowns, the learnings from India’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign can go a long way in strengthening routine immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries. India’s Covid-19 vaccination achievement has been a result of meticulous planning and joint efforts by the Centre and state government on production, procurement, and supply of vaccines complemented by technological advances. Whether it is Nigeria’s whole family approach to vaccination, South Africa’s Electronic Vaccination Data System, Nepal’s J&J single-dose vaccine prioritized for disabled people, Cambodia and Vietnam’s rollout of Covid-19 vaccination for children; introduction of coupons and discounts to tackle vaccine hesitancy, and increase uptake among populations in multiple countries, to Bangladesh’s on the spot, walk-in and online registrations via Surokkha App and Univac campaign for the school, and university students, Covid-19 vaccination campaigns have introduced certain good practices that can and must be applied to all routine immunisation programmes around the world including adult vaccination programmes. Using already created additional capacities on cold chain and supply management for all vaccinations, using digital and Artificial Intelligence driven interventions such as drone systems, virtual platforms for capacity building, private sector engagement, and creating an enabling environment for multiple players in vaccine manufacturing, targeted risk communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure equity among the different marginalised population, the introduction of multiple channels to get vaccinated, a learning platform such as CoVLEx to share learnings on RI for low and middle-income countries across the globe, etc.