Undoubtedly, one of humankind’s greatest inventions is vaccination. They stop the spread of several illnesses that might otherwise be deadly. One of the most important responsibilities of a parent after giving birth is the efficient vaccination of their children.
Most Vital Child Vaccinations In India That Are Important For Their Healthy Growth
India’s vaccination regimens include several vaccines that are necessary for all children. While the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) adds a few more crucial vaccinations that aren’t regarded essential, the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) lists all necessary vaccines.
1. BCG Vaccine or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination
The BCG vaccination has been around for over 80 years and is one of the best at preventing TB (Tuberculosis). Immunization against TB is essential for a country like India, where the population is skyrocketing because the disease is highly contagious and spreads readily.
Within a few days of birth, doctors will give your infant the BCG vaccination. They often provide it between 0 and 6 months of the baby’s birth. However, kids can receive a vaccination anytime up to five.
After receiving the BCG vaccine, your infant may have a few moderate side effects. Between one and six weeks, a little red blister may develop. Moreover, your infant may also become irritable for a few days.
2. Vaccine for Hepatitis B
The extremely infectious hepatitis B virus is the primary cause of hepatitis B, a liver illness. It frequently progresses to chronic disease, particularly when a baby’s liver is affected. They might have lifelong, slow-acting, chronic harm from it. Furthermore, the lack of treatment for this illness makes the situation even worse!
This vaccination was made available in India in 2002 and is listed on the NIS schedule. The Hepatitis B vaccination should be administered immediately after delivery and within 24 hours of giving birth.
3. Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV)
India was regarded as one of the hardest countries to eradicate polio. The poliovirus causes a potentially fatal sickness that leads to disability. Fortunately, with a vigorous statewide vaccination program, India was officially declared polio-free in 2014!
The polio vaccination must be given to infants at birth or 25 days after delivery. The dosage will be zero at the time of birth and followed up with 1, 2, and 3 at six, ten, and 14 weeks. Since the poliovirus is harmful, the vaccine is among the most crucial immunizations for kids.
4. Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)
Your children will interact with other children and go out and discover their surroundings independently. They frequently do so at the risk of getting viruses. The rotavirus is one of them. This highly infectious illness may quickly spread in public spaces like playgrounds or childcare facilities. Your child may face a fever, cramping, vomiting, and constipation. If this problem is left untreated, it may lead to the death of your child.
Fortunately, the proper vaccinations can protect them from such harmful diseases as well. The rotavirus vaccine is administered in three doses: at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
5. Vaccination for vitamin A
People might think the reason for including vitamin A on a list of shots and, most importantly, among the most crucial shots for kids in India. Children, especially those under five, can go blind from a vitamin A deficiency. The vaccination is given in nine doses to protect kids from becoming blind.
It is also important to monitor your child’s vaccine regimen. Your doctor will give the first dosage at nine months. The podiatrist will give the second dose between 16 and 18 months. The dosage of shots continues until your child is five years old because your child’s immune system is much stronger at that age.
Why Vaccinations Are Important
In simple terms, vaccines assist your body in defending itself against viruses and illnesses. A whole or partially dead disease-causing bacterium is included in a vaccination. Your body is tricked into believing that the germ is attacking when the vaccination is injected into you. Your immune system is then stimulated to make antibodies designed to combat that virus. The vaccination itself cannot spread disease; instead, it works to shield us from illnesses that might be dangerous.
Disclaimer
The injection of the vaccine anticipates the age at which you could develop the disease. A lot of diseases exist that humans have to encounter because doctors recommend vaccines to infants immediately after birth.
In west Uttar Pradesh, you can contact the Pediatrician of Ravi Hospital Group in Noida, Agra, Firozabad, and Aligarh for more details.
Conclusion
This article should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating Pediatrician for more details.