IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

Aim of immunization is to give protection to our children against some common life threatening infections. Initially there were vaccines available for 6 lifethreatning diseases. With progress new vaccines are added every year. Still there are many diseases which need to be prevented and we need vaccines against them, eg:- Malaria, HIV, Dengue ( though some progress has been made in this).  Every country has its own immunisation schedule and the WHO has also recommended a schedule for all. Parents should follow the immunisation schedule as suggested by the paediatrician. Certain vaccines are recommended only under special circumstances. For example in children with asthma, allergic bronchitis, kidney diseases, immune compromised condition, etc.

Most commonly followed schedule for Immunization is:

Vaccines and what they provide protection against: 

• BCG- Against Tuberculosis
• DPT- Against Diptheria, Pertussis And Tetanus
• Hib- H Influenza Type B ( Against Meningitis In Young Babies )
• OPV/IPV- Polio
• PCV- Against Pneumococcal Pneumonia
• Rotavirus Vaccine- Against Rotavirus Diarrhoea
• MMR- Mumps Measles And Rubella
• Varicella – Chickenpox
• Hepatitis B And Hepatitis A
• Typhoid Vaccine
• HPV: Cervical Cancer Vaccine – Against Cancer Cervix

Vaccines given in high-risk conditions:

• Flu Vaccine – Against Influenza A And H1N1
• Meningococcal Vaccine
• Yellow Fever Vaccine
• Japanese B Encephalitis Vaccine
• Cholera Vaccine
• Rabies Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV 23)

Immunization should be given at the appropriate time, but if by any chance a child has missed one or more doses, schedule for catch-up vaccination for them is also available. So do consult your pediatrician if you have missed any vaccination. Remember your child’s future and his/her protection against deadly and life threatening diseases is in your hands.