Risk Groups
PANAJI: Goa has introduced the Goa Policy for Life-course Immunization 2026–2036, expanding the state’s vaccination strategy beyond childhood to cover people across different stages of life.
Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane launched the policy and its operational guidelines at a programme organised by the Directorate of Health Services at Sta. Inez, Panaji. The state government described the initiative as a pioneering move in preventive healthcare.
Rane said vaccination policies need to evolve as life expectancy increases and the burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney disease and cancer grows.
The policy adopts a risk-based approach, with the government initially focusing on people who are clinically more vulnerable rather than immediately introducing universal adult vaccination.
Health Secretary Yatindra Maralkar said three vaccines — influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis — have initially been prioritised for identified high-risk groups based on disease burden, safety, feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
The programme will be integrated with existing healthcare services, including NCD clinics and specialist facilities, while using Goa’s existing cold-chain infrastructure. Healthcare facilities will undertake screening, vaccination, safety monitoring and digital tracking.
The policy will remain in effect for 10 years but is designed to be reviewed and updated periodically in line with emerging scientific evidence, technologies and public-health requirements.
Professor Ajay Vamadevan of the Goa Institute of Management (GIM) said the policy was developed through consultations involving the Directorate of Health Services, Goa Medical College, GIM and experts from national institutions and scientific bodies.
He said implementation could help Goa generate evidence on adult and life-course immunization and provide lessons that may contribute to similar initiatives elsewhere.
Officials from the Directorate of Health Services, Goa Medical College, GIM, WHO and other health institutions attended the launch programme.
