“Immunization,” rather called “Vaccination,” is a well-known, common term used among parents, and it’s an important, much-needed practice that’s recommended by many renowned health organizations worldwide.
Though the terms are familiar, have you ever thought about how the processes of immunization benefit children to strengthen their immunity power? In this article, we are going to look in detail on why immunization is important, how it protects the baby, immunization schedule, compulsory and optional vaccines, how to catch up on a missed immunization its precautions, and side effects.
Why immunization is essential and how it protects your child
Immunization is known to be the best and cost-effective health investment for a child as it protects them from many deadly infectious diseases. Vaccines are nothing but weakened/killed germs (bacteria or viruses) that are injected into the child’s body in a very mild and safe dosage to develop the baby’s natural immunity power. For example, the measles vaccine contains the measles virus; the Hib vaccine contains Hib bacteria, and so on.
When the baby is exposed to the germs in the form of a vaccine, their natural immune system improves in turn to destroy the germs. Eventually, the child’s body gets ready to combat these deadly diseases if they happen to confront in the latter part of their life. It is a well-tested and proven tool recommended by various health organizations for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases like diphtheria, mumps, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and so on.
Benefits of immunization:
Here are some of the significant benefits of Immunization:
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Vaccination is safe and effective as it protects the child from numerous illness and complications
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Many diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough which are still serious threats globally can be prevented through vaccination
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Through vaccination, we can eradicate many diseases and thereby protect the future generation
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Individuals who are not vaccinated may catch diseases easily if they come in contact with an infected person. It is known that many of these diseases are highly contagious
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In many countries, vaccination records play a significant role in enrolling the kid to childcare or school
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Renowned pediatric organizations like the Indian Academy of Paediatrics and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination
Latest Vaccination Chart and Schedule in India
The table below is charted by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) for children from 0 to 18 years. Dosage of vaccines is injected from Day 1 of birth as babies and toddlers are more susceptible to diseases. The table also gives details on mandatory and optional vaccines. Mandatory vaccines are offered to children on a routine basis, while the optional ones are provided to safeguard them if they live in or travel to high-risk areas.
|
Age |
Content Tag |
Vaccines |
Mandatory and Optional Vaccines |
Important Notes |
|
Birth |
BCG |
BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) |
BCG vaccine - for tuberculosis is Mandatory |
|
|
HB 1 |
Hepatitis B |
Mandatory |
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|
OPV 0 |
Polio |
Mandatory |
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|
6 weeks |
HB 2 |
Hepatitis B |
Mandatory |
|
|
IPV 1 |
Polio |
Mandatory |
In case IPV is not available or feasible, the child should be offered bOPV (3 doses). In such cases, give two fractional doses of IPV at six weeks and 14 weeks. |
|
|
DTP 1 |
DTwP/DTaP (Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoids and Whole-cell Pertussis vaccine) |
DTP vaccine - for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) is Mandatory |
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|
HiB 1 |
HiB (Haemophilus Influenza B) |
Haemophilus Influenza B Vaccine is Mandatory |
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|
PCV 1 |
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine |
Optional |
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|
Rota 1 |
Rotavirus |
Mandatory |
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|
10 weeks |
HB 3 |
Hepatitis B |
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IPV 2 |
Polio |
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DTP 2 |
DTwP/DTaP |
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HiB 2 |
HiB |
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PCV 2 |
Pneumococcal |
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Rota 2 |
Rotavirus |
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|
14 weeks |
HB 4 |
Hepatitis B |
The fourth dose of Hepatitis B permissible for combination vaccines only |
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IPV 3 |
Polio |
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DTP 3 |
DTwP/DTaP |
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HiB 3 |
HiB |
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PCV 3 |
Pneumococcal |
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Rota 3 |
Rotavirus |
Third dose not required for RV1. Catch-up up to 1 year of age in UIP schedule |
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6 months |
TCV |
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine |
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine is Mandatory |
|
|
Influenza |
Influenza |
Influenza (flu vaccine) is Optional |
Begin influenza vaccination after six months of age, about 2-4 weeks before the season; give two doses at the interval of 4 weeks during the first year and then single dose yearly till five years of age | |
|
9 months |
MMR |
MMR 1 (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) |
MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella is Mandatory |
|
|
MCV 1 |
Meningococcal |
Meningococcal meningitis is Optional |
Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV) Nine months through 23 months: 2 doses, at least three months apart; 2 years through 55 years; single dose only |
|
|
12 months |
Hep A1 |
Hepatitis A vaccine is Mandatory. |
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|
MCV 2 |
Meningococcal |
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JE 1 |
JE |
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is given in high-risk areas only, or in case of travel to high-risk areas – So it is Optional |
For individuals living in endemic regions & for travelers to JE endemic areas provided their expected stay is for a minimum period of 4 weeks | |
|
Cholera |
Cholera |
Cholera vaccine is given in high-risk areas only, or case of travel to high-risk areas. So it is Optional |
Two doses two weeks apart for >1 year old; for individuals living in high endemic areas and traveling to areas where the risk of transmission is very high |
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|
13 months |
JE 2 |
JE |
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15 months |
PCV B1 |
Pneumococcal |
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MMR |
MMR 2 |
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Varicella |
Varicella 1 |
Chickenpox (varicella) is Optional |
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Cholera 1 & 2 |
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|
16–18 months |
IPV B1 |
Polio |
b-OPV, if IPV booster (standalone or combination) not feasible |
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DTwP/ DTaP |
DTP B1 |
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HiB |
HiB B1 |
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Hep A2 |
Hepatitis A |
Live attenuated Hepatitis A vaccine: single dose only. |
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2-3 years |
MCV |
Meningococcal |
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4-5 years |
DTwP/ DTaP |
DTP B2 |
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MMR |
MMR3/ MMRV |
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Varicella |
Varicella 2 |
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9-14 years |
PCV |
Pneumococcal |
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Tdap |
Tdap |
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HPV |
Human Papilloma Virus 1 & 2 |
Two doses at six months interval 9-14 years age; 3 doses (at 0, 1-2 & 6 months) 15 years or older and immunocompromised |
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15-18 years |
Tdap |
Td |
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|
HP 1,2,3 |
HPV 1,2,3 |
Click on this link to download this table: Latest Vaccination Chart and Schedule in India
Reference: IAP Immunization Time table
How to catch up on a missed immunization
If in case you have missed a vaccine, check out the table below to know how and when to catch up on the missed immunization:
|
Vaccine Name |
Minimum Age for Dose 1 |
Dose 2 |
Dose 3 |
Dose 4 |
Dose 5 |
Range of recommended age for catch up vaccine |
|
BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) |
Birth BCG |
5 Years |
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|
Hepatitis B |
Birth HB 1 |
Six weeks HB 2 |
Ten weeks HB 3 |
14 weeks HB 4 |
15-18 Years |
|
|
Polio |
Birth OPV 0 |
Six weeks OPV 1 |
Ten weeks IPV 2 |
14 weeks IPV 3 |
16-18 months IPV B1 |
4-6 Years |
|
DTwP/ DTaP |
Six weeks DTP 1 |
Ten weeks DTP 2 |
14 weeks DTP 3 |
16-18 months DTP B1 |
4-6 years DTP B2 |
4-6 Years |
|
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) |
Six weeks HiB 1 |
Ten weeks HiB 2 |
14 weeks HiB 3 |
16-18 months HiB B1 |
4-6 Years |
|
|
Pneumococcal |
Six weeks PCV 1 |
Ten weeks PCV 2 |
14 weeks PCV 3 |
12 - 18 months PCV B1 |
4-6 Years |
|
|
Rotavirus |
Six weeks Rota 1 |
Ten weeks Rota 2 |
14 weeks Rota 3 |
12 Months |
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|
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) |
Nine months MMR 1 |
15 months MMR 2 |
4-6 years MMR3/MMRV |
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Varicella |
15-18 months Varicella 1 |
4-6 years Varicella 2 |
15-18 Years |
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Hepatitis A |
12 months Hep A1 |
16-18 months Hep A2 |
15-18 Years |
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|
Typhoid |
Six months TCV |
15-18 Years |
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|
Influenza |
Six months to 5 years Influenza |
5 Years |
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Tdap |
9-14 years Tdap |
15-18 years Td |
15–18 Years |
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|
HPV |
9-14 years HPV 1 & 2 |
15-18 years HPV 1,2,3 |
15-18 years |
To download the above table, click here: How to catch up on a missed immunization
Precautions to follow before Vaccinating Your Child
Here are some of the precautionary measures you need
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If your child is allergic to any food items or antibiotics, share it with your doctor before vaccinating your baby. It is advisable to prepare a list of medications and food items your child is allergic and show it to your doctor in advance
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If there is any particular medical history for the child, it should also be presented to the doctor in advance
The table below lists the Contraindications and Precautions to commonly used vaccines:
| Vaccine Name | Contraindications | Precautions |
| Hepatitis B | Severe allergic reaction
(e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component
Hypersensitivity to yeas |
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
Infant weighing less than 2000 grams (Hepatitis B vaccination should be deferred for preterm infants and infants weighing less than 2000 g if the mother is documented to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative at the time of the infant’s birth. Vaccination can commence at chronological age 1 month or at hospital discharge. For infants born to women who are HBsAg-positive, hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine should be administered within 12 hours of birth, regardless of weight) |
| Polio
(Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)) |
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component | Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
Pregnancy |
| Diphtheria, tetanus,
pertussis (DTaP)
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
Tetanus, diphtheria (DT, Td) |
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component
For pertussis-containing vaccines: Encephalopathy (e.g., coma, decreased level of consciousness, prolonged seizures) not attributable to another identifiable cause within 7 days of administration of a previous dose of DTP or DTaP (for DTaP); or of the prior dose of DTP, DTaP, or Tdap (for Tdap) |
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks after a previous dose of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine
History of Arthus-type hypersensitivity reactions after a previous dose of diphtheria- or tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine; defer vaccination until at least 10 years have elapsed since the last tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.
For DTaP and Tdap only: Progressive or unstable neurologic disorder (including infantile spasms for DTaP), uncontrolled seizures, or progressive encephalopathy; defer until a treatment regimen has been established and the condition has stabilized |
| Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) | Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component
Age younger than 6 weeks |
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever |
| Pneumococcal
(PCV13 or PPSV23) |
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component (including, for PCV13, to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid) | Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever |
| Rotavirus | Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
History of intussusception |
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
Altered immunocompetence other than SCID
Chronic gastrointestinal disease
Spina bifida or bladder exstrophy |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) | Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component
Severe immunodeficiency (e.g., hematologic and solid tumors, chemotherapy, congenital immunodeficiency or long-term immunosuppressive therapy5), or persons with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection who are severely immunocompromised 6
Family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency in first-degree relatives (e.g., parents and siblings), unless the immune competence of the potential vaccine recipient has been substantiated clinically or verified by a laboratory test
Pregnancy |
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
Recent (within 11 months) receipt of antibody-containing blood product (specific interval depends on product)7
History of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenic purpura
Need for tuberculin skin testing8 or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) testing
For MMRV only: Family or personal history of seizures |
| Varicella | Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component
Severe immunodeficiency (e.g., hematologic and solid tumors, chemotherapy, congenital immunodeficiency or long-term immunosuppressive therapy5), or persons with HIV infection who are severely immunocompromised
Family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency in first-degree relatives (e.g., parents and siblings), unless the immune competence of the potential vaccine recipient has been substantiated clinically or verified by a laboratory test
Pregnancy |
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
Recent (within 11 months) receipt of antibody-containing blood product (specific interval depends on product)7
Receipt of specific antivirals (i.e., acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir) 24 hours before vaccination; avoid the use of these antiviral drugs for 14 days after vaccination.
Use of aspirin or aspirin-containing products
For MMRV only: Family or personal history of seizures |
| Hepatitis A | Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component | Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever |
| Influenza, inactivated
injectable (IIV) |
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine (except egg) or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine | Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
History of GBS within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination
Egg allergy other than hives (e.g., angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, or recurrent emesis); or required epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention (IIV may be administered in an inpatient or outpatient the medical setting, under the supervision of a healthcare provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions |
| Influenza, recombinant
(RIV) |
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine (except egg) or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine | Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
History of GBS within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination |
| Human papillomavirus (HPV) |
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component | Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever |
To download the above table, click here: Contraindications and Precautions to commonly used vaccine
Reference: Immunize.org
Side-effects of vaccines
The side-effects of vaccines are very minimal and can be treated easily. Some of them are:
- Pain, redness, swelling, irritability at the injection site
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Abnormal crying or crankiness
- Lack of appetite
- Increased sleep hours
- Few kids develop a rash
- At times a small or hard lump might persist at the injection site for a few weeks or months. It is common and does not require any special treatment.
To overcome the side- effects, parents can follow the home remedies mentioned below:
- Make the child drink more fluids
- If you are breastfeeding, do it at frequent intervals
- Wear light clothes if you feel the baby’s body is warm
- Place a wet cloth or ice cubes on the injection site if the baby shows discomfort
- Cuddle to soothe the baby
- If fever persists, consult your doctor and give paracetamol drops or syrup
Author bio:
Viji Nataraj, a freelance writer who loves to write articles on various domains. She worked as a developer for a couple of years, later moved to content writing as she had a strong passion for the same.
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