Ensuring your child’s health and well-being starts with timely vaccinations. In India, the government and healthcare organizations recommend a specific immunization schedule to protect children from various life-threatening diseases. This guide will help you understand the vaccination schedule for Indian children and its importance in safeguarding your child’s health.
Why Vaccinations Are Crucial
Vaccinations are essential to prevent serious illnesses such as polio, measles, and hepatitis. They help build your child’s immunity by introducing a weakened or inactive form of the disease, allowing the body to create antibodies without causing the illness. Following the recommended vaccination schedule ensures your child is protected from these preventable diseases.
Birth to 6 Weeks
- At Birth:
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin): Prevents tuberculosis.
- OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) – 0 Dose: Protects against polio.
- Hepatitis B – 1st Dose: Prevents hepatitis B infection.
- 6 Weeks:
- DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) – 1st Dose: Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – 1st Dose: Protects against bacterial infections like pneumonia and meningitis.
- OPV – 1st Dose: Continues polio protection.
- IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) – 1st Dose: An additional polio vaccine.
- Rotavirus – 1st Dose: Prevents rotavirus diarrhea.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) – 1st Dose: Protects against pneumococcal infections.
10 Weeks to 14 Weeks
- 10 Weeks:
- DTP – 2nd Dose
- Hib – 2nd Dose
- OPV – 2nd Dose
- IPV – 2nd Dose
- Rotavirus – 2nd Dose
- PCV – 2nd Dose
- 14 Weeks:
- DTP – 3rd Dose
- Hib – 3rd Dose
- OPV – 3rd Dose
- IPV – 3rd Dose
- Rotavirus – 3rd Dose
- PCV – 3rd Dose
6 Months to 9 Months
- 6 Months:
- Hepatitis B – 2nd Dose
- OPV – 4th Dose
- 9 Months:
- Measles – 1st Dose: Protects against measles.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 1st Dose: Combined vaccine for three diseases.
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV): Prevents typhoid fever.
12 to 16 Months
- 12 Months:
- Hepatitis A – 1st Dose: Prevents hepatitis A.
- 15 Months:
- MMR – 2nd Dose
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – 1st Dose: Protects against chickenpox.
- PCV – Booster Dose
- 16-18 Months:
- DTP – 1st Booster
- Hib – Booster Dose
- IPV – Booster Dose
- Hepatitis A – 2nd Dose
2 Years to 5 Years
- 2 Years:
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) – Booster Dose
- 4-5 Years:
- DTP – 2nd Booster
- OPV – Booster Dose
- MMR – 3rd Dose
- Varicella – 2nd Dose
Conclusion
Keeping up with the vaccination schedule is vital for protecting your child from serious diseases. This guide is designed to help Indian parents stay informed and ensure their children receive timely vaccinations. For any concerns or questions, always consult your pediatrician.
