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When you bring a child into the world, you must also take great care to keep them healthy. Immunisations, often known as vaccines, are essential for this reason because they protect infants from a variety of preventable diseases. Infants must be protected from as many diseases as possible due to the rising danger of health issues, current health risks, and common survival situations. According to statistics, if children get the right immunisations at the right times to protect them against diseases like tetanus, hepatitis, polio, pneumonia, diarrhoea, etc., 3 million fatalities could be avoided worldwide.
How Important is Vaccination for Newborns?
The average number of children in India who pass away before turning five is about 1.2 million. These deaths result from widespread illnesses and parents' failure to immunise their children against diseases that can be prevented. According to the WHO, over 22 million children currently do not have all of their recommended vaccines, and this figure is rising steadily. As a result, there is a glaring lack of understanding regarding the necessity of immunisations as well as awareness regarding the crucial vaccinations needed for newborns.
Numerous initiatives and programmes have been created to raise awareness about vaccination for newborn baby in India. Furthermore, the government sets up free clinics and runs campaigns to offer immunisations without charge. Even in those circumstances, a large number of kids skip their vaccines. Having said that, the list of vaccines for newborn baby in India helps one to keep good track of the immunisation schedule.
>>Check: Benefits of Vaccination Cover in Health Insurance
List of Vaccination for Newborn Baby in India
Here is the Indian Academy of Paediatrics' recommended vaccination schedule for infants (IAP) that serves as a handy reminder of your child's immunisation schedule.
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| At Birth | Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG Vaccine) Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – 0 dose Hepatitis B birth dose |
| 6 Weeks | Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 1 Pentavalent - 1 Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 1 Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 1 Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) - 1 |
| 10 Weeks | Pentavalent - 2 Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 2 Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 2 |
| 14 Weeks | Pentavalent - 3 Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 3 Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 3 Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 2 Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) - 2 |
| 9-12 Months | Measles & Rubella (MR) - 1 Japanese Encephalitis (JE-1) Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine - Booster |
| 16-24 Months | Measles & Rubella (MR) - 2 Japanese Encephalitis (JE-2) Diphtheria Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT) - Booster 1 Oral Polio Vaccine – Booster |
| 5-6 Years | Diphtheria Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT) - Booster 2 |
*Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td) is other important vaccination given at the ages of 10 and 16, respectively.
Few Other Vaccinations
Additionally, some immunisations are advised for kids who live or are exposed to high-risk environments. These vaccinations are:
- Meningococcal (MCV) (MCV)
- Encephalitis in Japan (JE)
- Human Papillomavirus in cholera (HPV)
Nevertheless, some children have high-risk factors associated with them that make them more likely to develop a certain illness. These risk factors for children include:
- Immune deficiency, either inherited or acquired
- Liver diseases
- Diabetes
- Chronic hematologic, cardiac, liver, or renal disease
- Prolonged use of steroids, radiation therapy, etc.
- Hyposplenia
- Surgery for cochlear implants
- Malignancies
What Affects Vaccination Schedule and Things to Keep in Mind
The children's geographic location affects the vaccination schedule as well. A revised vaccination schedule could also be advised if the child has ongoing critical or severe health issues. In both of the aforementioned scenarios, a paediatrician must be consulted.
Prior to and throughout the child's immunisation, it is also crucial to keep in mind and take into account the following aspects:
- Do not omit any shots, and strictly adhere to the schedule.
- Avoid receiving any advanced vaccinations.
- Before you travel with your child or children, get counsel.
- If the child has a major medical condition or a persistent fever, postpone the vaccine.
- Vaccinations hurt, but there are no long-term adverse effects, so choose them.
- The kid can get a fever after the shot; don’t panic.
- Sing to your child, divert them, play with them, etc., to make them feel better.
- Don't freak out during the immunisation because it could make the child hysterical and afraid.
- Before feeding the child before a vaccination, consult your doctor.
Consult a paediatrician to determine the ideal timing to provide any missed vaccinations. Vaccination for newborn baby in India is simple and very important for maintaining good health. Therefore, following their advice, be sure to talk to your paediatrician and vaccinate your child.
>>Also Read: Post Vaccinations Guidelines and Health Measures
Summing it Up!
An infant does not receive complete immunity from the mother through breastfeeding. Once the maternal antibodies start to decline, vaccinations protect the infant. It's referred to as passive immunity. The body can defend itself against diseases once it has active immunity. It is very important to keep the mother and child safe during pregnancy, which is when maternity insurance comes into the picture. Maternity insurance protects you if your baby is born with a congenital illness. Maternity Insurance Plan by Care Health Insurance covers the newborn for up to 91 days after birth.
Disclaimer - The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
