Vaccinations are essential to keep children healthy. They protect against serious diseases like polio, measles, and tetanus. In India, the government provides free vaccines for children under 18 through the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This program ensures that all children receive important vaccines at the right ages. Parents and caregivers should know about these vaccines to keep their children safe and healthy.
Quick Overview of Vaccines for Children Under 18 in India
| Vaccine Name | Protects Against | Recommended Age |
|---|---|---|
| BCG | Tuberculosis | At birth |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B | At birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks |
| Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) | Polio | At birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks; boosters at 16-24 months and 5-6 years |
| Pentavalent Vaccine | Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenzae type B | 6, 10, and 14 weeks |
| Rotavirus Vaccine | Rotavirus Diarrhea | 6, 10, and 14 weeks |
| Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | Pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and meningitis | 6 and 14 weeks; booster at 9-12 months |
| Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine | Measles and Rubella | 9-12 months; second dose at 16-24 months |
| Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine | Japanese Encephalitis (in select areas) | 9-12 months; second dose at 16-24 months |
| DPT Booster | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 16-24 months and 5-6 years |
| Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine | Tetanus and Diphtheria | 10 and 16 years |
Details About Each Vaccine
1. BCG Vaccine
- Protects Against: Tuberculosis
- When to Give: At birth or as early as possible until one year of age
- Dose: 0.1 ml (0.05 ml for infants under 1 month)
- Route: Intradermal injection
- Site: Left upper arm
- Note: BCG helps prevent severe forms of tuberculosis in children.
2. Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Protects Against: Hepatitis B
- When to Give:
- Birth dose: Within 24 hours of birth
- Additional doses: At 6, 10, and 14 weeks (as part of the Pentavalent vaccine)
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Intramuscular injection
- Site: Anterolateral side of the mid-thigh
- Note: Early vaccination prevents mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B.
3. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
- Protects Against: Polio
- When to Give:
- Birth dose: As early as possible within the first 15 days
- Additional doses: At 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- Boosters: At 16-24 months and 5-6 years
- Dose: 2 drops
- Route: Oral
- Note: OPV is crucial for polio eradication efforts.
4. Pentavalent Vaccine
- Protects Against: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- When to Give: At 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Intramuscular injection
- Site: Anterolateral side of the mid-thigh
- Note: Combines five vaccines into one, reducing the number of injections.
5. Rotavirus Vaccine
- Protects Against: Rotavirus Diarrhea
- When to Give: At 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- Dose: 5 drops
- Route: Oral
- Note: Prevents severe diarrhea in infants.
6. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
- Protects Against: Pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and meningitis
- When to Give:
- Primary doses: At 6 and 14 weeks
- Booster dose: At 9-12 months
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Intramuscular injection
- Site: Anterolateral side of the mid-thigh
- Note: Reduces the risk of serious pneumococcal infections.
7. Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine
- Protects Against: Measles and Rubella
- When to Give:
- First dose: At 9-12 months
- Second dose: At 16-24 months
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Site: Right upper arm
- Note: Prevents measles and congenital rubella syndrome.
8. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine
- Protects Against: Japanese Encephalitis (only in select areas where the disease is endemic)
- When to Give: First dose at 9-12 months; second dose at 16-24 months
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Site: Right upper arm
- Note: JE vaccine is crucial for children in areas where this mosquito-borne disease is common.
9. DPT Booster
- Protects Against: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus
- When to Give: At 16-24 months and 5-6 years
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Intramuscular injection
- Site: Anterolateral side of the mid-thigh or deltoid muscle
- Note: Boosters maintain immunity against these diseases as the child grows.
10. Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
- Protects Against: Tetanus and Diphtheria
- When to Give: At 10 years and 16 years
- Dose: 0.5 ml
- Route: Intramuscular injection
- Site: Deltoid muscle
- Note: Td vaccine is a replacement for the earlier TT vaccine and offers dual protection.
Additional Points for Parents and Caregivers
- Importance of Timely Vaccination: Vaccines work best when given at the recommended ages. Missing a dose can reduce protection.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss with your child’s pediatrician to ensure your child receives all necessary vaccines, including optional ones like the Influenza vaccine.
- Keep a Record: Maintain a vaccination card to track the doses your child has received and the ones that are due.
- Awareness About Campaigns: Be aware of special immunization campaigns, like Pulse Polio drives, which provide additional protection to children.
Government Support for Vaccination
In India, the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) covers many of these vaccines free of cost. The government organizes regular immunization drives to reach children even in remote areas. Vaccination is safe, effective, and one of the best ways to ensure your child’s long-term health.
Encouraging parents to prioritize vaccinations is crucial for building a healthier, disease-free future for children across the nation. Stay informed, stay prepared, and protect your little ones today!
