Important Vaccinations For Your Baby

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Vaccination schedule includes a series of vaccination at the right time in the right dose, either as a recommended plan or as a compulsory program depending on the country of residence. Giving vaccination to your baby right from birth is very important in providing active immunity. Vaccination may be of single or multiple doses for getting its complete effect.

It is important to know the correct vaccination schedules that have to be followed for your baby. The vaccination schedule may vary depending on various factors. It may include any additions depending on any particular family history or environmental exposure. But, most of the important vaccinations remain the same.

Certain factors like the country in which you live, your baby's health or the need for any optional vaccinations may influence the usual vaccination schedule. The timing of vaccination is also of great significance. Here is a list of the important vaccinations in India that you have to give to your baby.

At birth:
It is important to give certain vaccinations right after the birth. This includes BCG vaccination for tuberculosis, Oral Polio Vaccine(OPV) for polio and the first dose of Hepatitis B. The doses of OPV and Hepatitis B should be continued and the next dose will be in the 6th week.

6 Weeks:
First dose of DTP for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, Oral Polio Vaccine, First dose of Haemophilus influenza , Second dose of Hepatitis B, Rotavirus(optional) and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine(optional).
Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine are not compulsory vaccinations. But, those who travel out of India may have to take these vaccinations depending on the vaccination policies of the particular countries.

10 weeks:
Second dose of DTP for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, Oral Polio Vaccine, Second dose of Haemophilus influenza, Second dose of Rotavirus (optional) and Second dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (optional).
The dose of Rotavirus vaccinations includes two or three doses depending on the brand of vaccine you select. If you opted for vaccination having two doses, then by the 10th week you will finish the full doses. But, if you opted for vaccination with three doses, then the next dose should be at 14th week.

14 Weeks:
Third dose of DTP for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, Oral Polio Vaccine, Third dose of Haemophilus influenza , Third dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (optional) and Third dose of Hepatitis B.

9 Months - 18 Months:
Measles, Hepatitis A, Mumps Measles Rubella, Varicella, DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) and Oral Polio Vaccine. The second dose MMR vaccine can be given at any time 4 - 8 weeks after the first dose. Varicella second dose can be given any time 3 months after the first dose.

These are the important vaccinations that you should give to your baby. It is important to consult your paediatrician before administering any kind of vaccination. Giving vaccinations to your baby at the right time will help them to be immune throughout their life.