Preschool and early school years are the most explosive growth phase of every child. They explore socialisation, experience new learning, and engage in new activities (sometimes they find fun even in mud). Even parents take a sigh of relief that their child’s intensive vaccination schedule is somehow complete. But it is not, now their critical phase where booster doses and new vaccines are going to be introduced to extend the immunity that they have built in the first year.
As a parent, you must note down the essential booster shots also, and here is the complete guide that you need.
Year-by-year Vaccination Guide (Ages 2-5)
This is the breakdown of vaccines that are recommended for children between 2 and 5 years.
2-Year-old Child Vaccination Milestones
| 2-Year Vaccination Milestones | ||
| Vaccines | Doses | Purpose |
| Hepatitis A | 2nd | This dose completes the series of these vaccines and provides lifelong protection against the hepatitis virus. |
| Annual Influenza | Annual | Every year, a new strain comes that most of the children catch. So this vaccine protects them from seasonal flu and infections. |
| Typhoid Conjugate | 1st | This vaccine is recommended once your child is 2 years old, and the booster shots need to be done every 3 years thereafter. |
3-Year-old Child Vaccination Milestones
| 3-Year Vaccination Milestones | ||
| Vaccines | Doses | Purpose |
| Catch-up | 2nd | If your child has missed a vaccine from the 2-year schedule, then this is the right time |
| Annual Influenza | Annual | Influenza viruses mutate every year, and as your child is playing and introducing themselves into a new environment, they need extra protection. This shot helps to maintain relevant immunity. |
4-Year-old Child Vaccination Milestones
| 4-Year Vaccination Milestones | ||
| Vaccines | Doses | Purpose |
| Typhoid | Booster | As this is supposed to be given every three years, but if your child has received the Typhoid conjugate vaccine at 2 years, then it is recommended to go for this vaccine once they are 5 years old. |
| DTaP | Booster shot | This does restore the protection from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, because in unvaccinated children, it can spread easily. |
| IPV | Booster | This second dose of IPV boosters restores the ability of the immune system against polio. |
| MMR | 2nd booster | This is usually given to children between 4 and 5 years of age, ensuring a high level of protection from measles, mumps and rubella. |
5-Year-old Child Vaccination Milestones
| 5-Year Vaccination Milestones | ||
| Vaccines | Doses | Purpose |
| Annual Influenza | Annual | Influenza viruses mutate every year, and as your child is playing and introducing themselves into a new environment, they need extra protection. This shot helps to maintain relevant immunity |
| Varicella | 2nd dose (if not given at 15-18 months) | This is the last dose, and ensures 98% protection from chickenpox (this is contagious, but vaccines help in reducing the impact). |
| Meningococcal | Optional yet recommended | This vaccine is not mandated in India, but highly recommended by IAP. It protects children from brain or spinal cord swelling, and blood infection, which can be life-threatening. |
The vaccines your toddler receives today are the reason they will not remember the disease that terrified generations of parents before us.
Why is the vaccine given at ages 2 to 5 crucial?
You can say that they are a shield for your child’s health, which can give them a protected adulthood.
- Protection from disease for decades- vaccines like MMR and varicella not only protect them now, but it also ensures safety till they become 20 or 30, or even lifelong.
- Prevention of complications- several childhood diseases are known for permanent damage if timely vaccination is not done. Like measles can cause fatal brain disorder, hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, and Hib is known for hearing loss and neurological damage.
- Reducing healthcare costs- not today, but if your child is protected through vaccination, it will help them later in their life, reducing the cost of spending lots of money on managing their diseases or health concerns.
How to choose the right vaccination centre?
Yes, we know, it is overwhelming to choose the right vaccination centre for your child. But here are some crucial points that can ease your search.
- What to look for in a clinic- make sure that the centre is licensed and they have a registered facility. Never hesitate to ask whether they are registered or not. In private centres like Cradle Children Hospital, they use WHO or CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) qualified vaccines and offer effective outcomes, and this is basic, which you should not avoid.
- Certified paediatricians- before signing up for the vaccination schedule, reevaluate whether the paediatricians are certified or not. If they are, then communication about the possibilities and catch-up vaccinations.
- Pre-counselling- don’t just book your baby’s vaccination schedule randomly. Go for a pre-counselling session, and once you can fully trust them, then proceed with the further steps.
Conclusion
This vaccination period is as vital and equally significant. It is because this would be the period when your child starts to explore the outside world with a range of activities like visiting the park, attending classes, and celebrating birthdays. With all these activities, your child needs to be protected from all kinds of diseases, and one of the best ways is through timely vaccination.
If you miss your child’s immunisations, Cradle Children’s Hospital urges you to stick to the immunisation schedule and keep a record of all the vaccines your child receives; do not think twice before coming to our clinic. At Cradle Children Hospital, it is never too late for the vaccination, as we are always ready to give you the best possible advice.
Because this is the reward you can give to your children in return are priceless indeed.
Book your consultation before nothing comes before your child’s health!
FAQ’s
Does my child need an annual influenza vaccine every single year?
Yes, because every year, a virus mutates, and it can impact your child’s health. So, to provide them ultimate protection from viruses, it is best to vaccinate your child and maintain the relevant protection. It is generally recommended till your child is 18 years old.
Is it safe to give multiple vaccines in a single visit?
Yes, it is completely safe, because your child encounters thousands of antigens in a single day. To protect from these environmental contacts, vaccines are necessary. And one more in a day is also effective as one at a time.
If my child has certain health concerns, is it necessary to get them all vaccinated?
If a child is suffering from a certain disease, then paediatricians recommend conducting a thorough checkup and then advising parents to proceed with a specific vaccine.
What if my child missed a booster shot at age 4? Then what?
Catch-up vaccination is a process that can easily help you to get your child on track with the vaccination schedule. So, consult with a pediatrician, and communicate your concern.
