Immunization schedule for children

Immunization forms one of the most important and cost effective strategies for the prevention of childhood sicknesses and disabilities and is thus a basic need for all children. The following schedule has been recommended by the Ministry of Health, Govt. of India and is one of the most widely followed by  the child health care providers.

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

BENEFICIARY AGE VACCINE
Infants Birth BCG* and OPV**
6 weeks DPT&OPV
10weeks DPT&OPV
14 weeks DPT&OPV
9 months Measles vaccine
18 months DPT&OPV(Booster dose)
Children 5 years DT vaccine
10years Tetanus toxoid
16years Tetanus toxoid

*At birth or at the time of DPT/OPV ;
** dose called as Zero dose and can be given till 14 days of age ,if missed early.

ABBREVIATIONS: BCG=Bacillus calmittee Guerin;
DPT=Diphtheria,Pertussis & Tetanus;
OPV =Oral Polio Vaccine;
DT=Diph & Tetanus vaccine.

THE INDIAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

The largest professional organisation of pediatricians in our  country fully endorses and supports the national schedule. It supplements the above schedule further ,with 2 additional vaccines namely Hepatitis B  vaccine to be given in three doses (at birth, one month and six months of age.). The IAP also recommends MMR (Measles,Mumps & Rubella vaccine) at about 15 to 18 months of age.  It must be remembered that even though rubella may appear to be a mild illness, it has a serious potential to cause congenital defects in a baby ,whose mother is not protected against rubella and catches the infection during early pregnancy.

The decision to use the newer vaccines such as Hepatitis A vaccine(Water borne jaundice), Hem.B vaccine and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine can vary amongst child practitioners and both the parents and the doctor can discuss their usage for their child, as presently, these vaccines are not included in the routine immunization program of our country. Their rational use should be based upon the cost, child’s age, parent’s concerns, exposure risks to the child and the doctor – parent decision.


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3 Responses to Immunization schedule for children

  1. techoguy April 23, 2011 at 1:25 pm #

    thanks, it will help in immunization of my kids :)

      

  2. sonia_pro May 5, 2011 at 11:44 pm #

    thanks for information. wtat is your opinion about typhoid vaccine?

      

    • Dr.MoonGarg May 6, 2011 at 12:40 am #

      Opinion in relation to it??

        

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