Why Immunization is Essential
Vaccines are a crucial part of preventive healthcare. They protect individuals from serious diseases by building immunity and reducing the spread of infections. Immunization also helps in:
- Preventing life-threatening diseases
- Boosting immunity
- Contributing to community health through herd immunity
Immunization Schedule for Children (0-5 Years)
First Year Vaccines:
- At Birth: BCG, Hepatitis B-1, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
- 4-6 Weeks: Hepatitis B-2
- 6-8 Weeks: IPV1, DTaP/DTwP1 + Hib1, Pneumococcal Vaccine 1, Rotavirus 1
- 10-12 Weeks: IPV2, DTaP/DTwP2 + Hib2, Pneumococcal Vaccine 2
- 14-16 Weeks: IPV3, DTaP/DTwP3 + Hib3, Pneumococcal Vaccine 3, Rotavirus 2
- 6 Months: Hepatitis B-3, OPV
- 9 Months: Measles/MMR
- 6-8 Months: Flu Vaccine
- 1 Year: Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
Second Year Vaccines (12-24 Months)
- 15 Months: MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella), Chickenpox, Pneumococcal Vaccine 1st booster, IPV, DTaP/DTwP/Hib 1st booster
- 18-19 Months: Hepatitis A (2 doses, 6 months apart)
- Annually: Flu Vaccine
Vaccines for Ages 3 to 5 Years
- Annually: Flu Vaccine
- 2 Years: Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Booster
- 2 Years and Above: Meningococcal Vaccine
- 4.5-5 Years: DTaP + IPV Booster, MMR Booster, Chickenpox Booster, Catch-up Vaccines if needed
Vaccines for Older Children and Adolescents (5-18 Years)
- 5 Years: DTaP Booster, MMR Booster, Chickenpox Booster, Typhoid Booster if required.
- 10 Years: Tdap Booster.
- 15-18 Years: Tdap Booster.
- HPV Vaccine: Administered in 3 doses (0, 1, and 6 months or 0, 2, and 6 months) for girls aged 10 to 45 years to prevent cervical cancer.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: Recommended for students in schools, hostels, or crowded areas.
Vaccines for Adults
- Tetanus Vaccine: Every 5-10 years, especially after injuries.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months for unvaccinated adults.
- Typhoid Vaccine: Two doses with 1-2 year intervals.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: 2 doses at 0 and 6 months.
Understanding Vaccines and Their Uses
- BCG Vaccine: Protects against tuberculosis (TB). Given at birth on the left shoulder.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Prevents liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus.
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) & Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV): Provides immunity against polio, a viral infection causing paralysis.
- DTaP/DTwP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- HIB Vaccine: Prevents severe bacterial infections, including meningitis.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Shields against pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Prevents severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus.
- MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
- Flu Vaccine: Recommended annually to protect against seasonal influenza.
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: Prevents typhoid fever caused by contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: Protects against hepatitis A, a liver disease spread through contaminated food or water.
- HPV Vaccine: Guards against human papillomavirus, preventing cervical and other cancers.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord.
- Tetanus Vaccine: Prevents tetanus, a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system.
Vaccines for the Elderly (55 Years and Above)
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (Prevenar 13): Single dose to prevent bacterial pneumonia.
- Flu Vaccine: Annual vaccination for enhanced immunity.
Vaccination is essential for lifelong protection against severe diseases. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized vaccination schedules.
Book an Appointment Today
Your child’s health is our top priority! At Tender Years Clinic, we provide exceptional pediatric care in Rajendra Nagar. Looking for a Child Specialist Doctor in Karol Bagh or a Nearby Pediatrician Doctor? Dr. Manoj Modi and our dedicated team are here to ensure your child’s well-being with personalized care.
Schedule your child’s check-up today and take the first step toward a healthier future with Tender Years Clinic. Let’s nurture your little one’s health together