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Immunization |
Many diseases do not occur or spread as much as they used to, thanks to better nutrition, less crowded living conditions, antibiotics, and, most importantly, vaccines. However, this does not mean that the bacteria and viruses that are responsible for these diseases have disappeared. Many consider it as a myth and neglect it, but let us confirm that immunizations are still needed to protect children from these diseases.
Immunization is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases. Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body's own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease. It is one of the most cost-effective health investments that make it accessible to even the most hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations. It can be delivered effectively through outreach activities; and vaccination does not require any major lifestyle change.
Immunization is of two types namely active and passive. When specific agents are introduced into the body so that it develops the needed protective response, it is called active immunization. In passive immunization, the protective agent itself is introduced into the body. Active immunization provides long-term protection against diseases, while passive immunization provides only short-term protection. Infectious agents induce disease and the defence mechanisms of the body react with immunity, first to ensure that the disease is overcome and secondly to develop protection from the disease.
A vaccine is composed of one or more inactivated parts of the infectious agent that induces a protective immune response without the risk of the disease itself. To be successful in their protective role, vaccines should be given before the age when the infection itself is likely to occur. For example, in the case of tetanus, the disease cannot be prevented from occurring in the newborn baby. So the pregnant mother is immunized and the protective agents passively pass from the mother to the foetus, thereby protecting it. The currently used childhood vaccines do not have any interference with one another, and can therefore be used simultaneously.
 Recommended childhood vaccination schedule
The Government of India adopted the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985. This is given in the table below. This has been partly modified by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, the official body of paediatricians, who look after the health needs of children.
| Vaccine |
Govt. of India |
IAP Schedule |
| BCG
(against tuberculosis) |
Birth or 6 weeks |
Birth – 2 weeks |
| OPV
(against Polio) |
Birth, 6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months |
Birth 6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months, 5 years |
| HB
(against Hepatitis B) |
- |
Birth, 6 weeks, 6-9 months, 10 years |
| DPT
(against diphteria, whooping cough, tetanus |
6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months |
6,10,14 weeks, 15-18 months, 5 years |
| Measles |
9 months |
9 months plus |
| MMR
(against measles,mumps,rubella or German measles |
- |
15-18 months |
| DT
(against diphtheria and tetanus) |
5 years |
- |
| TT
(against tetanus) |
10 and 16 years |
10-16 years |
The other available vaccines
Vaccines are now available against many other diseases. They do not form part of the Universal Immunization Programme. The doctor is the best person to advise whether these vaccinations need to be taken or not.
These optional vaccines are:
| 1. |
Typhoid |
| 2. |
Haemophilus influenza B - HiB vaccine against bacterial meningitis |
| 3. |
Chicken pox |
| 4. |
Hepatitis A |
| 5. |
Pneumococcus against pneumonia |
| 6. |
Meningococcus against meningitis |
Side effects
Among the common adverse effects of various vaccines are:
| 1. |
Pain at the site of injection |
| 2. |
Low grade fever |
| 3. |
Mild rash |
| 4. |
Painful swelling of the local lymph glands |
Besides these effects that may occur with several vaccines, there are some specific adverse effects of vaccines. Parents of the new born are advised to discuss these at length with their paediatrician before vaccination.
Some useful tips for parents
| 1. |
A child with a minor illness can safely be immunized. Minor illnesses include low-grade fever, ear infection, cough, runny nose and mild diarrhea. |
| 2. |
Children with other health problems may need to avoid certain vaccines or get them later than usual. For example, children with certain types of cancers or children who have fits or convulsions. The pediatrician should be consulted in case of doubt. |
| 3. |
Vaccines used for routine childhood immunizations can be safely given together. Side effects when multiple vaccines are given together are no greater than when each vaccine is given on separate occasions. |
| 4. |
Vaccines may be given orally like polio and typhoid vaccines and by injection into the skin or muscles. The most commonly used site for injection is the outer aspect of the thighs. Injections into the buttocks or the arms should be avoided. |
| 5. |
Maintain an immunization card and do not defer the timely immunization of the child. |
Protection from preventable diseases, disabilities and death through immunization is the birth right of every child. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective of health care interventions!
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