Why routine Vaccination is needed? 

The core aim of Routine Vaccinations is to provide immunity to the body from certain illnesses. But why is it that infants require to certain a follow vaccination routine as soon as they are born? Well, progress in the medical field is now advance enough to avoid certain diseases which earlier could lead to poor health of the child, lifelong consequences, or even death. As a parent, you of course want your child to give a healthy start in life. Therefore, you need to follow the vaccination schedule to immunize your child against these diseases.

Vaccination schedule

The vaccination schedule is decided according to the apex health institution of a country (Pediatrics Institution). Various factors regarding child health in that particular region is considered while preparing the chart, therefore, it needs to be strictly followed. In India, the recommendation is released by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).

Vaccination Schedule

  • Just after Birth- BCG, OPV 0, and HP- B1 vaccinations are to be given to the newly born baby before hospital discharge.
  • At 6 weeks- DTwP, IPV 1, Hep- B2, Hib 1, Rotavirus 1, and PCV 1 are recommended but should be aligned to what vaccines have already been given to the child.
  • Then at 10 weeks – DTwP 2, IPV 2, Hib 2, Rota Virus 2, PCV 2, basically the second dose of previous vaccinations.
  • Next at 14 weeks – DTwP 3, IPV 3, Hib3, Rotavirus 3, and PCV 3 are to be given.
  • Looking at 6 months- The final dose of the Hep B vaccine is to be administered along with OPV 1.
  • After or at 9 months – Along with OPV 2, MMR for measles is to be given not before the child completes 9 months.
  • 9-12 months- A typhoid conjugate Vaccine is to be given between the time period keeping at least a gap of 4 weeks from the MMR (Measles) vaccine.
  • At 12 months- On the completion of 12 months of your baby, Hep – A 1 vaccination(s) are to be given.
  • 15 months- The second dose of MMR (Measles) is to follow in the second year of life. Also, Varicella 1 and PCV booster is to be given to the child.
  • At 16 to 18 months- DTwP B1/DTaP B1, IPV B1, and Hib B1.
  • 18 months- 2nd dose for inactivated(only) Hepatitis A vaccination is to be given.
  • At 2 years- Booster of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine is to be given.
  • 4 to 6 years- DTwP B2/DTaP B2, OPV 3, Varicella 2, and MMR 3.
  • 10 to 12 years- Finally, Tdap/Td and HPV vaccinations are to be given on the completion of 10 years.

Special Vaccines

Besides this, IAP also recommends some special vaccines for high-risk children, which have been included below:

  1. Influenza Vaccination
  2. Meningococcal Vaccination
  3. Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination
  4. Cholera Vaccination
  5. Rabies Vaccination
  6. Yellow Fever Vaccination
  7. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination

All the vaccinations are to be given under the strict prescription of an experienced pediatrician. A good child care center provides you with all the requirements and a prescription with the list of vaccinations to be given to your child timely. It helps you keep a track of it and take your child for vaccination at the right time.