Vaccines are a crucial part of preventive healthcare for children. They protect against a wide range of infectious diseases occurring in the community that can cause serious illness or even death. Here is a comprehensive guide to essential vaccines for children from birth to 18 years as per the IAP Immunization Schedule.

Birth to 6 Months

• BCG (Tuberculosis): Given at birth.
• OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine): Given at birth.

• Hepatitis B (HepB): Given at birth, 6, 10 & 14 weeks or at birth, 6, 14 weeks  & at 6 months. This vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.
• Rotavirus (RV): Given at  6 & 10 weeks  (Rotarix) or at  6, 10 & 14 weeks (RotaTeq/Rotavac/Rotasil). It protects against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea in Infants.
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis (DTaP): Given at  6, 10 & 14 weeks. It protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Given at  6, 10 & 14 weeks. It protects against meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections.
• Pneumococcal Conjugate: Given at  6, 10 & 14 weeks. It protects against pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
• Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Given at  6, 10 & 14 weeks. It protects against polio, a disabling and life-threatening disease.

6 to 18 Months

• Influenza (Flu): Two doses at 6 & 7 months respectively. Protects against seasonal influenza.
• Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: Given between 6 – 9 months of age. 
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY): First dose at 9 months, Second dose 8-12 weeks after the first dose. Protects against serious meningococcal disease.
• JE Vaccine (Japanese Encephalitis): Given at 1 year ( 2 doses at least 1 month apart)
• Hepatitis A (HepA): Given as a single-dose vaccine or two-dose vaccine starting at 12 months, spaced 6 months apart. Protects against hepatitis A, a liver disease.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): First dose at 9 months of age, followed by a second dose at 15  months. Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): First dose at 15 months followed by a second dose 3 months after first dose. Protects against chickenpox.
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Booster Dose: Fourth dose at 12-15 months.
• Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Nowadays given at 6, 10 & 14 weeks and booster doses at 16-18 months and at 4-6 years of age along with DTaP.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Fourth dose at 16 – 18 months along with DTaP.
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis (DTaP): Fourth dose at 16-18 months.

4 to 6 Years

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis (DTaP): Fifth dose at 4-6 years.
• Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Fourth dose at 4-6 years.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Third dose at 4-6 years.
• Influenza (Flu): Annually from 2nd Year onwards.

9 to 14  Years

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Given as a 2-dose series at 9 -14 years (second dose 6 months after the first). Protects against HPV infections that can lead to cancers.
• Influenza (Flu): Annually

 10 Years.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis (Tdap): Booster at 10 years. Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Influenza (Flu): Annually

14 to 18 Years

• Influenza (Flu): Annually.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): If not vaccinated previously, Given as a 3-dose series at 0, 2 & 6 months. Protects against HPV infections that can lead to cancers.
• Td Vaccine: Given at 18 years.

“PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE”

Hence Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases in children and adolescents, adults as well as elderly people. It is essential to follow the recommended immunization schedule and consult with your Pediatrician to ensure your child is well protected. By keeping up with vaccinations, you’re safeguarding not only your child’s health but also the health of your community.