Vaccination Chart for Infants and Children The Government of India recommends the following schedule for vaccinations:

Age Birth 6 weeks 10 weeks 14 weeks 9 - 12 months 15 - 18 months 4 - 5 years 10 - 16 years

Vaccine
BCG Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT) OPV, DPT OPV, DPT Measles OPV, DPT DT, Typhoid Tetanus, Typhoid

The schedule recommended by the Government of India has fully incorporated the recommendations of the EPI schedule given by the World Health Organisation. The following table shows the possible adverse reactions for each vaccine:
Vaccine BCG OPV DPT Measles MMR DT TT* Hepatitis B

Type
live attenuated live attenuated killed live attenuated live attenuated killed killed recombinant

Adverse Reactions
axillary adenitis (swelling in the armpits) none fever, excessive crying, encephalopathy, seizures fever, rash fever, rash, arthralgia (pain in the joints) fever fever pain, erythema

What's on the schedule Birth Hepatitis B Hepatitis B Two months

Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough Haemophilus influenzae type b Polio Pneumococcal conjugate Hepatitis B Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough Haemophilus influenzae type b Polio Pneumococcal conjugate Hepatitis B Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough Haemophilus influenzae type b Polio Pneumococcal conjugate Hepatitis B Haemophilus influenzae type b Measles, mumps and German measles Meningococcal C Hepatitis A (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in high-risk areas) Chickenpox Pneumococcal polysaccharide (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in high-risk areas) Hepatitis A (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in high-risk areas) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough Measles, mumps and German measles

Four months

Six months

12 months

12-24 months 18 months 18-24 months

Four years

Polio Hepatitis B Chickenpox Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough

10-13 years

15-17 years

Recommended childhood vaccination schedule The Government of India adopted the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985. This is given in the table below. This has been partly modified by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, the official body of paediatricians, who look after the health needs of children. Vaccine BCG (against tuberculosis) OPV (against Polio) HB (against Hepatitis B) DPT (against diphteria, whooping cough, tetanus Measles MMR (against measles,mumps,rubella or German measles DT (against diphtheria and tetanus) TT (against tetanus) Govt. of India Birth or 6 weeks IAP Schedule Birth 2 weeks

Birth, 6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 Birth 6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months months, 5 years 6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months 9 months Birth, 6 weeks, 6-9 months, 10 years 6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months, 5 years 9 months plus 15-18 months

5 years 10 and 16 years

10-16 years

The other available vaccines Vaccines are now available against many other diseases. They do not form part of the Universal Immunization Programme. The doctor is the best person to advise whether these vaccinations need to be taken or not.

These optional vaccines are: Typhoid Haemophilus influenza B - HiB vaccine against bacterial meningitis Chicken pox Hepatitis A Pneumococcus against pneumonia Meningococcus against meningitis

Side effects Among the common adverse effects of various vaccines are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Pain at the site of injection Low grade fever Mild rash Painful swelling of the local lymph glands

Besides these effects that may occur with several vaccines, there are some specific adverse effects of vaccines. Parents of the new born are advised to discuss these at length with their paediatrician before vaccination. Some useful tips for parents A child with a minor illness can safely be immunized. Minor illnesses include lowgrade fever, ear infection, cough, runny nose and mild diarrhea. Children with other health problems may need to avoid certain vaccines or get them later than usual. For example, children with certain types of cancers or children who have fits or convulsions. The pediatrician should be consulted in case of doubt. Vaccines used for routine childhood immunizations can be safely given together. Side effects when multiple vaccines are given together are no greater than when each vaccine is given on separate occasions. Vaccines may be given orally like polio and typhoid vaccines and by injection into the skin or muscles. The most commonly used site for injection is the outer aspect of the thighs. Injections into the buttocks or the arms should be avoided. Maintain an immunization card and do not defer the timely immunization of the child.