What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a biological preparation that is a weak or inactive form of the particular organism (antigen) used to introduce it into the body. It triggers fake responses in the body and protects it when it's been infected by the antigen. The process of giving a vaccine is known as vaccination.

From the time a person is 6 or 7 months old until they are around 60 or 65 years old, they need some vaccines to keep them from dying from diseases. Tetanus, polio, whooping cough, influenza, meningitis, and HPV are just a few of the still-present illnesses that cause havoc and expand graveyard zones. In the past few years, everyone has learned what vaccinations are and how frequently they should be received. Mortality rates have reduced drastically. From saving the earth from a devastating pandemic to immunising a toddler, everything can be enhanced by vaccination.

As the name suggests, a vaccination chart is a chart that incorporates details concerning vaccinations. This means that you have to stick to the schedule exactly, which may be hard for some people with busy lives.

Not sure where to begin? Not to worry. Apollo will assist you and see you through your immunisation dates. Consult our top medical staff before starting a crucial schedule for your loved ones; they are the ones who understand when, where, and how to initiate this vital vaccination period. Here is a simple summary based on the National Immunization Schedule of the chart that must be followed to maintain good health.

Immunisation schedule for pregnant women

Just like craving spicy, sweet, and sour cuisine, a woman also requires a dosage of vaccine to get through the infectious phase, under which her baby may encounter any disease during pregnancy. Some important vaccines are listed below:

Vaccine	When to give	Dose
TT-1	early pregnancy	0.5ml
TT-2	after 4 weeks after TT-1	0.5ml
TT-Booster	If received 2 TT doses in pregnancy within the last 3 years	0.5ml

Immunisation schedule for babies

A baby requires special attention for their schedule from the moment they are born. The following are some of the most crucial vaccines for them:

Vaccine	When to give	Dose
Hepatitis B birth dose	At or within 24 hours of birth	0.5ml
BCG	At birth or until one year of age	0.1 mL (0.05 mL until one month old)
OPV-0	At birth or within the first 15 days	2 drops
OPV-1,2,3	At 6, 10, or 14 weeks of age (and up to five years of age),	2 drops

pentavalent: 1, 2, 3.	At 6, 10, or 14 weeks of age (up to one year of age).	0.5ml
Rotavirus#	At 6, 10, or 14 weeks of age (up to one year of age).	5 drops
IPV	Two fractional doses at 6 and 14 weeks	0.1ml
The first dose of MR and JE-1	9 to 12 months	0.5ml

Immunisation schedule for children

Even an older child needs vaccines to live a healthy and disease-free life. The NIS base schedule is as follows:

Vaccine	When to give	Dose
DPT booster: 1 MR second dose	16-24 month	0.5ml
OPV booster	16-24 months	2 drops
JE-2	16-24 months	0.5ml
Vitamin A (2nd–9th dose)	16–18 months, then one dose every 6 months up to age 5 years.	2ml
DPT booster: 2	5-6 years	0.5ml

10 and 16 years

0.5ml

Because everything only functions properly when it's done at the right moment, maintaining a vaccination schedule is just as crucial as actually getting the vaccine. Our experts at Apollo are always available to assess which vaccinations are suitable to take at what stage of life. Our strength is providing patients with the care and attention they need.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Jayanagar. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are entirely safe. They are prepared by following a series of rigorous tests and clinical trials. Scientists are still investigating whether or not vaccines pose any health risks.

2. When is the correct time to get my child vaccinated?

Vaccinations should be administered as soon as possible, according to the schedule provided by your doctors. Vaccines activate your natural immunity to protect you from disease.

3. Are there any side effects of vaccines?

Like any other medication, the vaccine may cause mild side effects such as low-grade fever, pain, and so on, which will subside in a few days.

4. Can someone take more than one dose of a vaccine at a time?

It has been demonstrated that taking more than one dose at a time is safe, as no side effects were observed during the experiment.

5. How long does vaccination provide immunity?

The duration of immunity varies depending on the disease and the vaccine. Vaccine boosters are advised for specific vaccines and age groups.