Every newborn baby is immunized with various vaccines.There is a long list of vaccines which are required for young ones.It is often seen that parents often remain confused about the time and type of vaccine required.Although each baby care centre attempts to make things clear by providing immunization cards,these are sometimes kept aside or forgotten.
Since dates of various vaccines are very specific,delay in immunization results in decrease in potency of immunity that is developed as a result of vaccination.I present here a gross guide to help you verbally remember the time when your baby needs to be immunized.
As soon as baby is born, immunization with BCG, Polio and hepatitisB is done.
At the age of 6 weeks,10 weeks and 14 weeks, a combination of various vaccines is given.This includes DPT and HIB. Hepatitis B if missed earlier, can be given in a combination pentavalent vaccine.
At the age of 9 months, measles immunization is given to the baby
At the age of 12 months, MMR immunization is required for prevention against measles mumps and rubella.
At the age of 18 months, booster dose of same vaccine given at age of 6 weeks is needed to boost up the baby's immunity.
This is the most common schedule adopted and recommended by most governments including India.
Some paediatricians like to follow schedules which vary in minor way from above.They may also advise additional vaccines like chickenpox, hepatitis A, influenza ,meningitis and so on.Since each of these gives prevention against different diseases,their use is also suggested as per advice.
Please note that baby may have fever after some vaccines.This is normal and it usually comes down in two to three days.Antipyretics should be used as per advice given.
Keep in mind the above mentioned schedule so that you know the approximate date and month of your baby's date with the doctor.
HAPPY PARENTING !
