Vaccination is one of the strongest preventive measures in modern healthcare against killer diseases that can claim the lives of newborns. India's newborn vaccination schedule has been adapted to provide prompt vaccinations that shield newborns from a variety of infectious diseases.

This article will go over the most recent immunization schedule, taking into account the advantages of each shot, as well as the newborn vaccination cost, timing, side effects, and locations for vaccination. Parents can prevent serious illnesses in their children by making sure they receive their immunisations on schedule through the national immunization program.

Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring the health of newborns. Here’s why it's essential:

1. Protection Against Serious Diseases:

   Vaccines protect children from serious illnesses like polio, measles, and diphtheria, preventing severe health complications or death. Following the newborn vaccine schedule in India greatly reduces these risks.

2. Herd Immunity:

   Vaccination safeguards not only individuals but the community by creating herd immunity, and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

3. Prevention of Disease Resurgence:

   Low vaccination rates can cause diseases like measles to resurface, emphasizing the need to stick to the immunization chart in India.

4. Economic Benefits:

   Vaccines prevent costly treatments, easing financial strain on families.

5. Safety and Lifelong Protection:

Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and offer long-term immunity, outweighing the risks of potential side effects.

The National Immunization Program (NIP) in India, also known as the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), aims to vaccinate children and pregnant women against several life-threatening diseases.

• Protect against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Achieve high immunization coverage across all regions, especially rural areas.
• Reduce mortality and morbidity rates.

The UIP offers free vaccines for diseases like tuberculosis, polio, measles, and hepatitis B. It also addresses more recent health concerns with vaccinations for pneumonia and rotavirus-induced diarrhea.

Also Read: How Can Parents Ensure Their Child’s Health?

Children’s Vaccination Schedule in India

While vaccines are generally safe, they can cause mild side effects. Understanding these reactions helps parents manage them effectively.

1. Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, or pain.
2. Systemic reactions: Mild fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches.
3. Specific vaccine reactions:
   • DTaP may cause fussiness and fever.
   • MMR might lead to fever or a mild rash a week after the shot.
   • Rotavirus vaccine can rarely cause intussusception (a type of bowel obstruction).

1. Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of vaccination. It requires immediate medical attention.
2. Seizures: High fever may trigger febrile seizures in some children.

1. Keep the child hydrated and well-rested.
2. For severe reactions like difficulty breathing or intense swelling, seek immediate medical care.
3. Use reliable medications like paracetamol for fever.

Vaccinations can be obtained at both public and private healthcare facilities.

In private healthcare settings, parents may refer to a private vaccination chart for additional vaccines not included in the government program, such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) or newer vaccines for dengue and influenza.

Here is a comparison of free vaccines and paid vaccines available for children in India:

Following the newborn vaccine schedule is crucial to protect your child from life-threatening diseases. Vaccination not only protects your baby but also contributes to the health of the community through herd immunity. As vaccines can be costly in private facilities, investing in health insurance for children is a wise choice. SBI General Health Insurance offers excellent coverage, including vaccinations, ensuring that your child’s health needs are fully met without financial worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

If delayed, the baby remains vulnerable to diseases. It’s important to catch up as soon as possible, following the guidance of a paediatrician.

The first vaccines typically given at birth include BCG, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), and Hepatitis B.

The BCG vaccine is usually administered at birth or soon after to protect against tuberculosis.