In India, newborns are provided with a crucial shield of protection through a well-structured vaccination program. This program aims to safeguard infants from life-threatening diseases right from the beginning of their lives. The vaccines administered to newborns in India are pivotal in building immunity and promoting a healthier future.
Important Vaccines for Newborns in India
1. BCG Vaccine
Administered at birth, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine protects against tuberculosis, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
2. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Given within the first 24 hours of birth, this vaccine guards against hepatitis B, a viral infection that can cause severe liver diseases.
3. OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)
OPV drops are given at birth, six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks, providing immunity against polio, a crippling and potentially fatal disease caused by the poliovirus.
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4. IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
IPV is given at six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks, offering additional protection against polio.
5. DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) Vaccine
Administered at six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks, this vaccine guards against three serious bacterial infections—diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
six. Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) Vaccine
Given at six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks, this vaccine protects against Hib, a bacterium causing severe pneumonia and meningitis in young children.
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7. Rotavirus Vaccine
Administered orally at six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks, this vaccine protects against rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in infants.
8. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
Given at six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks, this vaccine provides protection against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia and meningitis.
9. RVV (Rabies Vaccine)
If the mother is not immunised, the first dose of rabies vaccine is given at birth to prevent rabies, a deadly viral infection transmitted through animal bites.
Ensuring newborns receive these vaccinations according to the recommended schedule is crucial. It not only protects the child but also contributes significantly to community immunity, preventing the spread of these diseases. Parents are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals to stay informed and ensure their little ones receive timely and appropriate vaccinations, setting the foundation for a healthy and disease-free life.
