Immunization Schedule for Children

How Immunization works for babies

Immunization is one of the most important developments that was achieved by humankind towards better health. Simply put, a vaccine tells our body how to fight off sickness. It prepares the immune system by introducing the body to non-toxic elements of bacteria or viruses (antigens). Our immune system later becomes vigilant of any germ attacks and is quick to act in case of any such threats, keeping diseases at bay. Immunization does not pertain solely to an individual; it relates to the population at large. Once a certain percentage of the people are immunized, they are called “herd immunity”. This means that even those not vaccinated, like infants or people with specific illnesses, are protected indirectly as the associated disease does not spread.

India’s Immunization Schedule : What Every Parent Should Know

India’s immunization schedule plays an important role in protecting children's health. They prevent dangerous and life-threatening diseases such as polio, tuberculosis and measles, and more, which can result in long term disabilities and mortality. Now, administering vaccines at the right time has reduced the spread of these diseases and was eventually eradicated. Not getting a vaccine on time can result in serious health problems. In particular, vaccinations are very important for children. Their immune systems are not matured, which makes them vulnerable to numerous diseases. Infections that are considered harmless can in fact become fatal in the absence of the right form of vaccination. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines prevent 2-3 million deaths globally each year. India’s Under-5 mortality rate has declined from 126 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 37 in 2020, partly due to improved vaccination coverage. Recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this calendar outlines the essential and important vaccines that should be administered from a child’s birth through their adulthood. 

Immunization Schedule for Parents

• Vaccines Given to Pregnant Mother

The first step towards vaccination starts with the pregnant mother receiving a Td (Tetanus and adult diphtheria) injection during her pregnancy. This is a combination of tetanus and a lower concentration of diphtheria antigen, recommended for older children and adults. Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria entering into the body through a small scratch or a big wound. Diphtheria is a highly contagious and infectious disease, which causes problems in the throat, leading to difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Getting a Td injection during pregnancy is mandatory. It helps both the mother and the baby fight against the bacteria and prevent the disease from developing. According to the guidelines, 2 to 3 doses of Td injection is administered to the pregnant mother.

• Vaccine to be given At Birth
  • BCG or Bacillus Calmette Guerin is a single dose vaccine administered via an injection on the upper arm, when the child is born. This vaccine provides protection against tuberculosis, an infection dangerous to the lungs.
  • OPV zero dose or Oral Polio Vaccine is the first dose taken at birth. It is given to the child orally and helps against prevention of poliovirus.
  • Hep B birth dose is a single dose vaccine against Hepatitis B, a viral infection that attacks the liver. It is administered using an injection on the mid thigh.
• Vaccine to be given At  6 weeks
  • OPV1 or Oral Polio Vaccine is the second dose of polio medicine given orally to the child. 
  • Pentavalent - 1 is the first dose given to children. It combined 5 vaccines in one dosage. It protects from 5 major infections namely Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
  • Rota 1 or Rotavirus vaccine is the first of 3 dosages. This vaccine helps against rotaviruses which is the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children.
  • fIPV1 or Inactivated Polio Vaccine is the first dosage against poliovirus administered to the child via an injection.
  • PCV1 or Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine is the first of two dosages of PCV. This vaccine offers protection against meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia to milder infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
• Vaccines at 10 Weeks
  • OPV 2 or Oral Polio Vaccine is the third dosage taken orally by your child for protection against poliovirus. This virus generally affects children below 5 years of age, and should not be missed.
  • Penta 2 is the second dose taken using injection against the prevention of 5 infections namely Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
  • Rota 2 is the second of the 3 dosages which protects your child against rotaviruses.
• Vaccines at 14 weeks
  • OPV3 or the Oral Polio Vaccine is the fourth and the last oral dose for prevention against polio virus.
  • Rota 3 is the third and the last RotaVirus Vaccine taken when the child is 14 weeks old.
  • PCV2 is the second and last of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine administered by injection to the child.
  • IPV2 is the second and final dosage of Inactivated Polio Vaccine given to your child using an injection against polio virus.
  • Penta or Pentavalent 3 is the last vaccine administered to your child against the 5 infections, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
• Vaccines at 9 months
  • Measles & Rubella (MR) - 1 is the first of 2 doses against measles and rubella. They are highly infectious viral diseases that cause serious complications like ear infection, blindness, encephalitis, diarrhea, pneumonia and death.
  • Japanese Encephalitis (JE-1) is the first of the 2 doses against Japanese Encephalitis. It is related to dengue which is generally spread by mosquitoes.
  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)- Booster is a single dose injection given to your child to protect against different types of pneumococcal bacteria.
• Vaccines at 16 to 24 months
  • Measles & Rubella (MR) - 2 is the second and last dosage against measles and rubella given to your child. This is administered through an injection.
  • Japanese Encephalitis (JE-2) is the second and last dosage against Japanese Encephalitis.
  • Diphtheria Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT) - Booster 1 is the first of the 2 doses against DPT vaccine. This vaccine helps your child against three diseases - diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – Booster is a single dose vaccine given orally to the child against poliovirus.
• Vaccines at 5-6 years
  • Diphtheria Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT) - Booster 2 is given to your child when they are 5 to 6 years old. This is administered as an injection and helps fight diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
• Vaccines at 10 years
  • Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td) is a single dose vaccine offering protection against tetanus, which is an infection which spreads through infected cuts and wounds and adult diphtheria.
• Vaccines at 16 years
  • Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td) is a single dose vaccine offering protection against tetanus, which is an infection which spreads through infected cuts and wounds and adult diphtheria.

Why is vaccination important for your child’s health

A newborn child’s immunity is still developing and is at risk for several infections. Hence, vaccinating them early is crucial. The vaccination schedule in India is framed to help protect babies and infants at the most important time of life when they are more prone to different diseases. Parents are advised to follow the immunization schedule that has been provided in the child vaccination calendar. As a parent, it is one of the most important duties to get involved in your child’s immunization schedule. Visit your pediatrician at BabyMD center and get your queries cleared in time. Follow their instructions and get comfortable with the process before and after the vaccine is administered.