Vaccines Save Lives. Vaccine Means Protection- UNICEF
Approximately 33.7% of children receive their vaccinations within the recommended schedule and timeframe. Why does this happen, even though the child’s health is a priority for parents? We, Cradle Children Hospital, understand that it can be overwhelming to understand the complex schedules, mixed information, and confusion. But, even after all this, remember, immunization is one of the most powerful tools to keep your child protected from life-threatening diseases.
This guide will cut through all your doubts and confusion, and help you understand the complete child vaccination schedule in India with a month-by-month checklist. The schedule and timeframe of the vaccine are not random. They are designed to understand the child’s vulnerability to harmful germs and the body’s ability to tolerate the dose.
Why Is The Immunization Schedule Essential For Children?
It is easy to skip or forget about vaccines, but the germ won’t wait for your negligence. It took 7 years to completely strengthen the immune system of your child. Till then, they are vulnerable to catching germs and diseases easily. And obviously, we can’t protect them from harmful diseases roaming around. Here are some of the crucial points that every parent needs to know-
- It protects your child from life-threatening diseases.
- Build early immunity to diseases.
- Provides long-term protection.
- Safe and cost-effective.
Child Vaccination Schedule
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the National Immunization Schedule provides the list of essential vaccines that help to protect children’s health. Not only the child, but also the vaccination for pregnant women is mentioned, so that the infant can be protected even before it is born.
Let’s roll on the child vaccination schedule in India-
| SL. NO. | Age | Vaccine | Purpose |
| 1. | For pregnant women | Tetanus Toxoid (TT)
|
TT1 is given during the first antenatal visit, TT2 is given within the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, and the TT Booster, third dose, is given to those who have taken the first two doses, and then the next pregnancy occurs after 3 years.
Given in the early months of pregnancy, mainly during the first antenatal visit. It ensures that fetuses are protected from diseases caused by bacteria during unsafe delivery. This not only protects the mother, but it also ensures the health of the baby. |
| 2. | Birth | Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG)
Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV)-0 dose Hepatitis B birth dose |
BCG is given to protect children against tuberculosis, the polio dose protects from paralysis and the polio virus, while Hepatitis is an infection. These are injected within 24 hours of birth. |
| 3. | 6- Weeks | OPV-1
Pentavalent-1 Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)-1 Fractional dose of Inactive Polio Vaccine (fIPV)-1 Penumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)-1 Haemophilus Influenza Type B |
OPV for polio, RVV is for rotavirus, diarrhoea, because these are major causes of child mortality. While the other vaccines are provided so that immunity can fight against high-risk infection and meningitis.
|
| 4. | 10-Weeks | OPV-2
RVV-2 Pentavalent-2 Haemophilus Influenza Type B |
Polio, rotavirus, and pentavalents should be given without delaying them. Some are given orally, while some are injected. |
| 5. | 14- Weeks | OPV-3
RVV-3 Pentavalent-3 PCV-2 |
Pentavalent dose protects against five diseases, such as pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, Haemophilus, and influenza B. Others are for polio, diarrhoea, pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, and sepsis. |
| 6. | 9 months to 1 year | Measles & Rubella (MR)- 1
JE-1 PCV-Booster Vitamin A-1 |
Now, infants become more active, and these vaccines help their bodies to fight against contagious diseases like measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis, and pneumococcal pneumonia. PCV is the final booster for long-term immunity. Vitamin A for eye health and immunity. |
| 7. | 16 months to 2 years | DPT Booster-1
Measles & Rubella- 2 OPV Booster Japanese Encephalitis (JE)- 2 Vitamin A-2 |
DPT is for diphtheria and tetanus. While the MR second dose ensure 100% protection, eliminating the impact of the disease. While the polio oral dose maintains high intestinal immunity. And JR ensures long-term protection from mosquito-borne brain infection. After this dose of vitamin A, children receive one dose every 6 months until they turn 5. |
| 8. | 4 to 6 years | Vericella 1
PCV Booster 1 |
Ensuring long-term immunity from pneumonia, varicella virus, and chickenpox. |
| 9. | 9 to 14 years | Human Papilloma Virus (HPV 1 and 2) | Prevent cervical cancer in girls, penis, anus, and throat cancer, and genital warts in boys. |
| 10. | 15 to 18 years | Human Papilloma Virus (HPV 1, 2, and 3)
Td |
HPV infection can cause several cancers, and this vaccine provide 90% protection. And three doses of the vaccine achieve maximum effectiveness. And TD is for diphtheria and tetanus. |
This baby vaccine chart will help you to know what type of vaccines are necessary and when they need to be given. Also, it is recommended immunization schedule for children aged 0- 5 years.
Point To Be Noted:
Not every vaccine is given to every child. Polio, BCG, Hepatitis, DTP, and measles are some of the common vaccines which are recommended for all children, while, based on the history, health, and immunity of the child, further doses are recommended.
And don’t worry, if you miss the scheduled dose, doctors use the catch-up schedule to ensure that your child receives all the essential doses within the timeframe.
Common Side-effects
Every vaccine causes some side effects, but these are manageable and go away within a few days. And it happens because the immune system actively responds to the intruder, as the dose mimics the functions of the infection to train the body for the real one.
Positive Effects-
- Moderate fever
- Tenderness on the injected site
- Fussines
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Mild headache, muscle and joint aches
These symptoms show that the body is working and building immunity to protect against the diseases.
Negative Effects-
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bad rash around the injected area or other parts of the body
- Fast heartbeat
- Swelling of the throat or face
- Dizziness and immense weakness
If your child is showing any of these signs, then it indicates that the vaccines impacted the body wrongly, and take your child immediately to the doctor. Do not try anything at home to improve rashes or redness, or anything else. Taking them to the doctor is the right step.
Conclusion
Vaccination is one of the most effective health interventions for infants, children, newborns, and adolescents. And it is very important for parents to understand why every child should be vaccinated, and even without delay. It helps in eradicating some life-threatening and harmful diseases. We know it can be overwhelming to check all the scheduled vaccines. That is why, children’s hospitals like Cradle Children’s Hospital are crucial, as they can help to ensure your child’s health is checked. But as a parent, your responsibility is to take the first step.
So, if you are wondering whether your child is behind schedule with vaccinations, then don’t worry.
Book your vaccination appointment at Cradle Children’s Hospital!
FAQ’s
Is fever common after a vaccination shot?
Yes, fever is the first sign that the baby’s body is building immunity, as the vaccination directly targets the immune system.
Is it safe to give a bath after vaccination?
It is up to the mother, but first try to clean the injected area with a cool and wet towel, or you can also use an ice pack.
Is it safe to feed my baby after the shot?
Yes, whether your baby is breastfeeding or eating normal food, it is perfectly safe to feed your baby. But make sure that the food is light on the stomach and does not contain too much spice.
Total how many vaccines are given to the babies in India?
There are 12 vaccines under India’s universal immunisation program. But it is always best to consult with the expert, because everybody reacts differently. A Cradle Children Hospital expert can help you to know exact information related to the child’s vaccination.
