National Immunization Schedule (Core Vaccines)
The immunization schedule is designed to protect infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This overview reflects the core components typically found in standardized public health schedules.
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B (Birth Dose) |
| 6 Weeks | Pentavalent-1, OPV-1, Rotavirus-1, PCV-1 |
| 10 Weeks | Pentavalent-2, OPV-2, Rotavirus-2 |
| 14 Weeks | Pentavalent-3, OPV-3, Rotavirus-3, PCV-2 |
| 9–12 Months | MR/MMR-1, JE-1 (in endemic areas), PCV Booster |
| 16–24 Months | DPT Booster, MR/MMR-2, OPV Booster |
Key Notes
- Pentavalent Vaccine: Contains Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hib.
- BCG: Administered intradermally, typically on the left upper arm.
- Missed Doses: Never restart a schedule; always continue from where the child left off (the “catch-up” principle).
NEET PG Hint: Remember that BCG is the only vaccine administered at birth in most schedules, which is a live attenuated vaccine. For Rotavirus, pay attention to the “maximum age for the first dose” (usually 12–15 weeks) to avoid the risk of intussusception. Always emphasize to parents that mild fever or local pain at the injection site is normal following immunization.