New Delhi, March 16: Every year on March 16, India observes National Vaccination Day. This day highlights the crucial role of vaccination in protecting children’s health. Vaccines have saved millions of lives worldwide and have eradicated or controlled several dangerous diseases. With new illnesses emerging, it is essential to vaccinate children at the right age and with the correct dosage.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), vaccinations are most effective when administered on time, according to the child’s age. Certain diseases are particularly dangerous at specific ages. For instance, polio primarily affects children under five, which is why the polio vaccine is given during this age. Delaying or skipping vaccinations can expose children to severe illnesses.
At birth, children receive the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis (TB). Possible side effects include pain, swelling, discharge at the injection site, mild fever, or headache. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is the first dose given orally to protect against the polio virus, and it typically has no common side effects. Hepatitis B vaccine protects against viral liver infections, with mild redness and pain at the injection site.
For six-week-old infants, the vaccines include OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus vaccine-1, and PCV-1. These vaccines protect against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, Hib, rotavirus (severe diarrhea), pneumonia, meningitis, and polio. Some side effects may occur, such as swelling and pain at the injection site, mild fever, irritability, fatigue, or decreased appetite.
At ten weeks, infants receive Pentavalent-2, OPV-2, and Rotavirus vaccine-2. Side effects are similar and usually resolve within a few days. By fourteen weeks, children receive Pentavalent-3, OPV-3, Rotavirus vaccine-3, and PCV-2, providing long-term protection against various diseases.
For children aged 9-12 months, the vaccines include Measles-Rubella (MR)-1, Japanese Encephalitis (JE-1), and PCV booster, protecting against fever, rashes, and complications from measles-rubella. JE prevents severe brain diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. For children aged 16-24 months, the vaccines include MR-2, JE-2, DPT booster-1, and OPV booster, reinforcing the protection from previously administered vaccines.
For children aged 5-6 years, the DPT booster-2 is essential before starting school. Additionally, children aged 10 and 16 years should receive one dose each of Tetanus and Diphtheria (TD) vaccines, which protect against infections that can occur from wounds.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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