Immunization Schedule:- Immunization is a process of boosting a person’s immune system against infection. It does this by exposing the immune system to foreign molecules that can trigger a protective immune system response. Individuals can also develop immunity to common infections if they get the infection more than once. The individual’s immune cells retain a memory of the infection, and when the same infection tries to invade the body again, it triggers a faster and more effective immune system response.
This will prevent the infection from developing a second time. This is called natural immunization or natural immunity. Artificial immunization is when the person is intentionally exposed to foreign particles. This forms the basis of many vaccines available against common and deadly infections. However, many diseases come with serious complications and contracting them can cause major problems for the individual. Artificial vaccination is considered to be less risky and an easier way to develop immunity to a disease. Vaccinations are started with babies and children as they have weaker immunity than adults.
Immunization
Immunization is based on the principle that each person’s immune system retains a memory of the first encounter with an illness. The immune system has memory cells that store the memory of the foreign body. When these foreign bodies come in contact with the individual again, the memory cells help to form antibodies against these bodies. This helps the individual fight the infection and prevents the infection from developing.
If the infection develops, it does not result in serious symptoms in the person due to the presence of antibodies. Vaccination can prevent the development of many diseases, such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and tetanus. Due to the extensive vaccination campaigns of different countries, polio has been eradicated in many countries. It is still common in countries where vaccination campaigns are not as strong. The following article covers the vaccination schedules for infants, children and pregnant women.
Immunization Schedule Details
Article Name | Immunization Schedule |
Category | Health |
Immunization Schedule | Click Here |
Types of Immunization
There are two main types of immunization used to produce different vaccines. These types are explained below.
Active Immunization
In this type, parts of a microbe or a weakened microbe are introduced into the person’s body. These cause the individual’s immune system to develop antibodies against the microbe. This also leads to the formation of memory cells that can produce more antibodies when they come into contact with the microorganism again.
Passive Immunization
In this type, pre-synthesized antibodies are transferred to the person’s body to confer Immunization. This type of immunity works quickly but doesn’t last long because the antibodies are broken down naturally.
Check also:- How Corona Vaccine Works
Immunization Schedule For Infants
The infants should start vaccination as soon as possible as they do not have a strong Immunization system. They only have a certain amount of immunity, which they get from their mother’s milk. The schedule for vaccination of infants is given in the table below.
Vaccine | Disease | When to Administer |
BCG | Tuberculosis | At birth |
Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B | Within 24 Hours of Birth |
OPV-0 | Polio | Within 15 Days of Birth |
OPV- 1, 2, 3 | Polio | At 6, 10 &14 Weeks respectively. |
Pentavalent 1, 2, 3 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib | At 6, 10 &14 Weeks respectively. Can given till the age of 1 year. |
Rotavirus | Rotavirus | At 6, 10 &14 Weeks respectively. Can be given till the age of 1 year |
IPV | Polio | At 6 &14 Weeks |
MMR | Measles, Mumps & Rubella | 9 to 12 Months |
JE-1 | Japanese Encephalitis | 9 to 12 Months |
Vitamin A | Measles & Supplementation | Along with MMR Vaccine |
Pregnant Women Immunization Schedule
Pregnant Immunization women should get booster shots to avoid contracting preventable diseases during pregnancy and labour. If you contract any of these diseases during pregnancy, it can affect the developing fetus and even lead to complications. The vaccination schedule for pregnant women is given below.
Vaccine | Disease | When to Administer |
TT-1 | Tetanus | Early in Pregnancy |
TT-2 | Tetanus | 4 Weeks after TT-1 |
TT-Booster | Tetanus | After 2 doses of TT have been received in the last 36 weeks during a pregnancy |
Read this:- Monkeypox Disease Symptoms
Immunization Schedule For Children
After the infants reach the age of 2 years, they receive booster doses of the vaccines already given to maintain the immunity developed by the initial doses. This will help keep children’s immunity longer. The vaccination schedule for children is listed below.
Vaccine | Disease | When to Administer |
DPT Booster-1 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 16 to 24 Months |
MMR-2 | Measles, Mumps and Rubella | 16 to 24 Months |
OPV Booster | Polio | 16 to 24 Months |
JE-2 | Japanese Encephalitis | 16 to 24 Months |
Vitamin A (2nd to 9th Dose) | Measles and Supplementation | 16 to 18 Months. Then one dose is given every six months till the age of five years. |
DPT Booster-2 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 5 to 6 Years |
TT | Tetanus | 10 Years &16 Years |
Immunization Schedule FAQ’S
What vaccine is given to children at age 5?
Your child will receive the second dose between the ages of 5 and 6. Tetanus, pertussis, and diphtheria are all prevented by the vaccine.
How does the first month's vaccination work?
During the main months of your child’s life, routine immunizations can assist with shielding your youngster from different serious or possibly lethal sicknesses. The best method of protection against three serious diseases is the DTaP vaccine. whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, and tetanus
What is a newborn's first vaccine?
The infant’s first shot. The majority of infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Within 24 hours of birth, it is given. When your baby is between the ages of 1 and 2 months, they will receive a second and third doses of the hepatitis B vaccine.
Related Post:-