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Newborn Baby Vaccination Chart - India 2024

Team AckoDec 5, 2024

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The human body is designed to fight a lot of diseases thanks to its inbuilt defense system. However, newborn babies are highly susceptible to infections and diseases because their immune systems are not fully developed yet. Vaccination protect the baby from many preventable diseases and complications, thus becomes a priority for Parents to follow the vaccination schedule for the baby from birth itself and safeguard the baby against preventable illnesses such as polio, diarrhea, pneumonia, etc

newborn-vaccination-chart-2024

 

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As per records, many diseases, such as tetanus, polio, hepatitis, diarrhoea, etc., can be prevented by providing proper and timely vaccination to babies. Many government organisations, such as the WHO, hospitals, and NGOs worldwide, have been running several campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of immunisation for newborn babies, ultimately aiming to reduce the number of deaths worldwide from these preventable diseases. The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is a scheme by the Government of India under which the government provides vaccines for several diseases, including polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, hepatitis B, rotavirus, and a few others.  

What is a Vaccine?

A vaccine is a medicinal substance either prepared from a live or attenuated virus that is used to stimulate the immune system and produce antibodies to fight the disease against which the immunisation is given. After the smallpox pandemic and immunisation the WHO decided to have an Expanded Immunisation Programme and include other vaccine-preventable diseases under the same wing. This was later adapted individually by various nations in their childhood immunisation schedule.

What is the Childhood Vaccine Schedule?

The childhood vaccine schedule outlines the specific timeline for administering vaccines to children from birth to adolescence. It ensures that immunisations are given at the optimal age to protect against preventable diseases like polio, measles, hepatitis, and diphtheria. Typically, the schedule begins at birth and includes multiple doses of vaccines at intervals, such as at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and beyond. Following this schedule is important for building immunity and safeguarding a child's health during their formative years.

What is the Universal Immunisation Schedule?

The Universal Immunisation Programme is an Indian government initiative based on the WHO’s Expanded Immunisation Programme. It was adopted in 1985 to vaccinate children and expectant mothers against vaccine-preventable diseases, promoting safe motherhood and reducing the under-5 mortality rate. In 2005, this programme became part of the National Rural Health Mission, equipping both rural and urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with vaccines. With the help of Public Health workers and ASHA workers, all children under the age of 5 are regularly immunised according to the baby immunisation schedule.
The Universal Immunisation Programme provides a schedule of vaccines to be administered from birth up to the age of 6 in children, also detailing the number of doses required. This vaccination schedule was prepared after extensive research and is safe to follow. You will be given a card that contains exact information about which vaccines should be given to your baby. It is important to carry this vaccination card each time you visit your paediatrician’s office.

In addition to childhood vaccines, the immunisation schedule also emphasises the importance of Tetanus shots for all pregnant women during pregnancy. These shots improve well-being during pregnancy and childbirth and have been shown to reduce the postpartum mortality rate among women

Vaccination Chart for children in India

The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) has outlined a comprehensive vaccination schedule for babies. The recommended vaccines should be administered at specific ages, and some require multiple doses to ensure full protection. Additionally, if the vaccines are injectable, they need to be administered at designated sites on the body.

Here is the baby vaccination schedule based on age:

  • BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin)

    • When: At birth or as soon as possible up to 1 year of age

    • Dosage: 0.1 ml (0.05 ml for infants under 1 month)

    • Route: Intradermal injection on the left upper arm

    • Purpose: To protect against tuberculosis (TB)

  • Hepatitis B (Birth Dose)

    • When: At birth, or within 24 hours

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Intramuscular injection on the inner side of the mid-thigh

    • Purpose: To prevent Hepatitis B

  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - First Dose

    • When: At birth or within the first 15 days

    • Dosage: 2 drops

    • Route: Oral

    • Purpose: To protect against polio

  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - Subsequent Doses

    • When: At 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks

    • Dosage: 2 drops

    • Route: Oral

    • Purpose: To continue protection against polio, with subsequent doses up to 5 years

  • Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)

    • When: At 6 weeks and 14 weeks (can be given until 1 year)

    • Dosage: 0.1 ml

    • Route: Intradermal injection on the right upper arm

    • Purpose: To provide additional protection against polio

  • Pentavalent Vaccine

    • When: At 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Intramuscular injection on the inner side of the mid-thigh

    • Purpose: To protect against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)

  • Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)

    • When: At 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks

    • Dosage: 5 drops

    • Route: Oral

    • Purpose: To protect against rotavirus, which can cause severe diarrhoea

  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

    • When: At 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and 9 months

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Intramuscular injection on the inner side of the mid-thigh

    • Purpose: To prevent pneumococcal infections

  • Measles-Rubella (MR)

    • When: At 9 months, up to 12 months

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Subcutaneous injection on the right upper arm

    • Purpose: To protect against measles and rubella

  • Vitamin A - First Dose

    • When: At 9 months (can be given until 5 years)

    • Dosage: 1 ml

    • Route: Oral

    • Purpose: To prevent Vitamin A deficiency

  • Japanese Encephalitis - First Dose

    • When: At 9 to 12 months (can be given up to 15 years if missed)

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular (depending on the type of vaccine)

    • Purpose: To prevent Japanese encephalitis (optional, depending on geographic area)

  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) - First Booster Dose

    • When: Between 16 to 24 months (can be given up to 7 years)

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Intramuscular injection on the inner side of the mid-thigh

    • Purpose: To provide ongoing protection against DPT

  • Measles-Rubella (MR) - Second Dose

    • When: Between 16 to 24 months (can be given up to 5 years)

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Subcutaneous injection on the right upper arm

    • Purpose: To provide further protection against measles and rubella

  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - Booster Dose

    • When: Between 16 to 24 months (can be given up to 5 years)

    • Dosage: 2 drops

    • Route: Oral

    • Purpose: To ensure continued immunity against polio

  • Japanese Encephalitis - Second Dose

    • When: Between 16 to 24 months (can be given up to 15 years)

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Subcutaneous injection on the left upper arm

    • Purpose: To provide additional protection against Japanese encephalitis

  • Vitamin A - Second to Ninth Doses

    • When: At 18 months (second dose) and then one dose every 6 months until the child is 5 years old

    • Dosage: 2 ml

    • Route: Oral

    • Purpose: To continue preventing Vitamin A deficiency

  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) - Second Booster Dose

    • When: Between 5 to 6 years (can be given up to 7 years)

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Intramuscular injection on the deltoid muscle of the upper arm

    • Purpose: To maintain protection against DPT

  • Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccines

    • When: At 10 years and 16 years (or can be given before 16 years)

    • Dosage: 0.5 ml

    • Route: Intramuscular injection on the upper arm

    • Purpose: To prevent tetanus and diphtheria

We have summarised the latest vaccination chart for babies in India 2024, as recommended by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) below:

Immunisation Schedule for Babies (0 - 12 months)

Birth

BCG, Hep B1, OPV

6 weeks

DTwP /DTaP1, Hib-1, IPV-1, Hep B2, PCV 1,Rota-1

10 weeks

DTwP /DTaP2, Hib-2, IPV-2, Hep B3, PCV 2, Rota-2

14 Weeks

DTwP /DTaP3, Hib-3, IPV-3, Hep B4, PCV 3, Rota-3*

6 Months

Influenza-1

7 Months

Influenza -2

6 – 9 Months

Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine

9 Months

MMR 1 (Mumps, measles, Rubella)

12 Months

Hepatitis A- 1

 

Side Effects Of Vaccines

All vaccines available today are the result of extensive research and numerous trials, making the likelihood of serious side effects extremely rare. However, after receiving vaccination doses, mild side effects may occur, such as pain and slight swelling at the injection site or a mild increase in temperature for a few days. Some vaccines can cause specific side effects; for instance, the DPT vaccine might result in mild throat soreness, low-grade fever, and cough. Additionally, there can sometimes be soreness and redness at the injection site.

Managing Side Effects Of Vaccines

In most cases, the side effects will not last more than a couple of days. You can talk to your paediatrician if the medication can be given for low-grade fevers and if they recommend a cold or hot press at the site of injection. The management of the symptoms varies from one vaccine to another, and you need to get a proper idea of the side effects of each of these vaccines.

Where To Get Vaccines In India

  • Most hospitals and child-specific clinics with a consultant paediatrician and a pharmacy.

  • Urban and primary health centres.

  • Government-based community hospitals.

  • Childcare-specific clinics offering vaccines.

You can choose the most convenient location based on your preference and availability.

Cost Of Vaccines For Children In India

You may get most of the vaccines in urban and primary health care centres and community hospitals run by the government at a subsidised and sometimes free of cost. The cost of vaccines at private centres may be higher, with prices varying for different vaccines and depending on the hospital or pharmacy that provides them. Below is a list representing the costs of various vaccines included in the childhood immunisation schedule:

  • The Polio vaccine is provided free of charge twice a year as part of the government-run polio vaccine drive. In hospitals, it may cost around ₹250 per dose.

  • DPT vaccines range from ₹15 to ₹100, depending on the hospital.

  • The BCG vaccine, given at birth, can later cost between ₹100 and ₹1000.

  • Hepatitis B vaccines range from ₹55 to ₹6000, depending on the composition, brand, and whether the provider is a private or government facility.

  • The DPT vaccine may cost around ₹200 to ₹300.

  • The Hib vaccine typically costs between ₹110 and ₹250.

  • Rotavirus vaccines range from ₹600 to ₹1500.

  • The PCV vaccine can cost between ₹1500 and ₹4000.

  • The inactivated polio vaccine is usually priced around ₹400 to ₹500.

  • The MMR vaccine costs between ₹150 and ₹600.

  • Typhoid conjugate vaccines range from ₹150 to ₹500.

  • Hepatitis A vaccines are priced around ₹1000 to ₹1500.

The actual costs differ depending on the city and the hospital, so please check and confirm with the appropriate healthcare providers.

Visiting Doctor For Vaccination

It is important to keep track of the baby's vaccination and visit the doctor as per the schedule mentioned in the paediatrician's vaccination chart. You should remember the following points before taking your child to the doctor for vaccination:

  1. Carry your child's file with all his essential details and vaccination chart with you

  2. Follow the vaccination schedule properly, and do not skip any vaccination

  3. Most of the time, a child develops a fever after immunisation, so ask your doctor about the steps that need to be taken in case of a fever. If you have travel plans,  discuss them as well.

  4. If your child has an allergy or has a fever, mention it to the doctor before the vaccine is administered. 

  5. Write down any concerns or questions you may have before visiting the doctor.

  6. Carry the child's favourite toy, blanket, etc, which can help distract them during the vaccination process.

  7. You can also provide comfort by singing and playing with the child while administering the vaccination.

  8. Always consult with a good paediatrician before deciding on any vaccination.

Wrapping Up

Ensuring your baby follows the baby immunisation schedule is important for their health and protection against serious diseases like polio, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Vaccinations strengthen your baby’s developing immune system, offering defence against preventable illnesses. Staying consistent with the schedule, keeping the vaccination card updated, and consulting your paediatrician help ensure a smooth process. While minor side effects may occur, they’re manageable with proper care. By adhering to the immunisation schedule, you give your child the best start toward a healthy and resilient future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs about Newborn Baby Vaccination Chart - India 2024

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1. Why is immunisation timing important?

Immunisation timing is important because, during those ages, vaccines are most effective when they coincide with the apt timing of growth of the infant's immune system. If delayed, it would put the infant in danger of serious diseases and may pose grave health problems as well.

2. What is the first vaccine given to newborns

Hepatitis B (HepB) is the first vaccine given to the baby within 24 hours of his birth. 

3. What happens if you miss a dose?

You need to consult a doctor or nurse immediately if you miss a dose. You won't have to restart the entire vaccine schedule; however, you will need to take further precautions to avoid compromising your little one's immunity.

4. How many days can we delay vaccines for babies?

It is generally not a good idea to delay vaccines for babies. However, if you have to consult your doctor and make sure you get the vaccine within 30 days from the date of administering the vaccine, it will be considered missed and not delayed.

5. Can more than one vaccine be given simultaneously?

Yes, lots of vaccines can be safely given in the same visit using different injection sites. It keeps the kids on track with their immunisation schedule without bumping up discomfort much.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

 

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