The government is all set to launch the U-WIN portal where pregnant women and children will be able to track their immunization routines and more.

The U-WIN portal, a replica of the Covid-19 vaccine management system Co-WIN, is all set for a nationwide launch by the end of August, which aims to maintain electronic records of routine vaccinations, official sources said. Currently, U-WIN is in pilot mode in all states and Union Territories, except West Bengal, which is yet to start uploading data, sources told PTI adding that it is still under consideration in the state.

The U-WIN platform captures every immunization event for pregnant women and children under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced in the Interim Budget 2024-2025 that under Mission Indradhanush, U-WIN will be rolled out across the country to manage immunization with intensified efforts.

“U-WIN will ensure timely administration of vaccine doses by digital recording of every vaccination program under Universal Immunization Program among all pregnant women and children aged 0-5 years,” an official told PTI.

The portal will target 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants (0-1 years) annually by providing 11 vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases including diphtheria, measles, rubella and tetanus through 1.2 crore immunization sessions across the country.” The officer added.

The platform creates a uniform QR-based, digitally verifiable e-vaccination certificate, similar to the Covid vaccination certificate, that citizens can obtain anytime with a single click.

Immunization records under UIP have been maintained manually until now. This will eliminate the hassle of keeping physical records, officials explained.

It will enable digitization of session planning and update vaccination status on real-time basis, he added.

“Also, there is no individual tracking mechanism. There is lack of awareness among beneficiaries about session location and date, especially in urban areas, and inequity in immunization coverage across states and union territories,” another official said.

“Besides, another important problem is that vaccinations are not recorded in private health facilities,” the official added.

U-WIN will be the single source of information for immunization services that will record pregnancy details and outcomes, newborn registration and immunization at birth. It will update vaccination status and delivery results on real time, the official said.

As of 9 July 2024, the pilot has enrolled 5.33 crore beneficiaries on U-WIN. More than 83.55 lakh vaccination sessions have been conducted digitally and 18.15 crore vaccine doses have been recorded.

The platform aims to reduce zero-dose and abandoned children through a name-based tracking system and empower citizens with anytime, anywhere access to immunization services, especially benefiting the migrant population, the official said.

“The U-WIN portal is likely to be launched across India by the end of August,” the official said.

Citizens can self-register for vaccination through the U-WIN web portal or its Android mobile application, select preferred vaccination centers and schedule appointments. Automated SMS alerts inform citizens about registration confirmations, administered doses and upcoming dose reminders, ensuring timely and age-appropriate vaccinations.

It facilitates creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for comprehensive health record maintenance.

U-WIN supports frontline workers to digitally record all immunization programs for children and pregnant women for complete, accurate and easy record maintenance, the official said.