Why Childhood Vaccination Schedule is Crucial for Long-term Health of Your Child

A childhood vaccination schedule helps you protect your child against different diseases and infections. It is a vaccination age chart that enables you to figure out what vaccination your child needs and when.

In India, vaccination was limited to diphtheria, Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG), oral poliomyelitis, typhoid vaccines, whole-cell pertussis (DTwP) and tetanus toxoids. Later, in 1985, the Universal Immunization Program was introduced to improve immunisation coverage and extend the focus beyond infants. Furthermore, in the year 2002, Hepatitis B vaccination was also introduced for children. The childhood vaccination schedule will ensure the long-term health of children. 

Why is Childhood Vaccination Important?

Infant vaccines protect children when they are at their most vulnerable. They are effective against different diseases and infections. Since many diseases can affect children severely, it is important to check the childhood vaccination schedule and get your child/children vaccinated. These diseases may include polio, HPV, tetanus, influenza, measles, and pertussis. 

Because of the amazing effectiveness of vaccinations, many individuals in younger generations have not witnessed the devastating repercussions of these illnesses. However, some diseases can reappear as the vaccination rates decrease. 

Is There Any Difference Between Vaccination & Immunization?

Yes. Vaccines use dead or weakened viruses or bacteria to protect humans against diseases or disorders. Immunisation is the process by which a person develops immunity to a certain disease or infection. This happens from vaccination or infection with that bacteria or virus. 

Different Types of Vaccines & Their Approximate Costs

There are different types of vaccinations included in the childhood vaccines list. These vaccines ensure that your children are protected against different illnesses and infections. Here, you will learn about different vaccines and the cost of childhood vaccines.

Hepatitis B (HepB)
The Hepatitis B vaccination protects children against the virus. The childhood vaccine schedule includes three doses of the HepB vaccine. The infant gets the first shot within 12 hours of birth. The second dose is given at 1-2 months of age, and the last shot is given between 6 and 18 months of age. 

The approximate cost of the Hepatitis B vaccine is approximately Rs. 1000

Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP)
The DTaP vaccine protects children from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The childhood vaccination schedule recommends administering this combination of vaccinations five times. A child will get the first dose at two months and the second dose at four months. The third dose of vaccine will be given at six months, the fourth dose between 15 and 18 months, and the final dose between four and six years old. 

The approximate cost of the DTaP vaccine is Rs. 900

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
The childhood vaccination schedule includes four doses of inactivated poliovirus to protect the child from poliovirus infections. Children would receive the first dose of vaccine at 2 months of age, the second dose at 4 months of age, the third between 6 and 18 months of age, and the final between 4 and 6 years of age. 

The approximate cost of inactivated poliovirus vaccine is Rs. 170

Hepatitis A (HepA)
The Hepatitis A vaccine is given to children to safeguard from Hepatitis A. Children will get two shots of this vaccine, one at 12 to 23 months and the second dose at least six months later. 

The approximate cost of the Hepatitis A vaccine is Rs. 2000

Are These Vaccines Safe for Children?

Yes. All vaccines included in the childhood immunisation chart are safe. Although, after getting a shot, your child may have some mild side effects like sore leg or arm or mild fever. A bad side effect after getting your child vaccinated is not likely to happen. 

Conclusion

Getting your child vaccinated is the first step to fighting several diseases and illnesses. If you follow the childhood vaccination schedule properly, you can understand what vaccination your child requires at regular intervals.