New Delhi: August is observed as National Immunisation Month and on this day, As we observe National Immunization Month this August, healthcare providers and public health officials across the country are joining forces to emphasise the critical importance of vaccines in safeguarding the health and well-being of all across age groups. It serves as a reminder that immunisation remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect individuals of all ages. As we inch closer to the end of this day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, listed vaccines that are a must for children from birth till they turn 1.
Vaccines to give to newborns
In an Instagram post, through a scroll post, the Health Ministry listed the shots that are a must for newborns. These include:
Vaccines at birth
OPav-0 dose – oral polio vaccine
BCG – Bacillus Calmette Guerin
Hepatitis B birth dose
Primary dose vaccines after 6 weeks
OPV-IRVV-I, Rotavirus vaccine
Fractional dose of inactivated polio vaccine
Pentavalent-I
PCV-I
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Vaccines to give at 10 weeks
OPV-2
RVV-2
Pentavalent-2
Vaccines to give at 14 weeks
OPV-3
RVV-3
fIPV-3
PCV-2
Pentavalent-3
Vaccines to give from 9-12 months
MR-I
PCV-Booster
fIPV-3
JE-I in only specific states
Talking about the importance of vaccines, Dr. Santosh Kumar Mondal, Senior Consultant, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Narayana Hospital R N Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, spoke about the importance of vaccines for everyone across all age groups.
“Vaccines have been a cornerstone of public health for decades, significantly reducing the incidence of once-prevalent diseases such as polio, measles, and whooping cough. However, recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for continued vigilance and widespread vaccination efforts,” said Dr Mondal.
“Infections are one of the most common causes of loss of school days (children), workdays (adults), and death (all age groups), along with financial loss. Vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing, controlling the spread, and reducing the degree of damage caused by most of these infections. We have already witnessed the devastating impact (recently COVID-19) of many of these vaccine-preventable illnesses. This National Immunization Awareness Month, I urge parents, caregivers, and individuals to stay current on recommended vaccinations and make informed health decisions. By doing so, we can protect not only ourselves but also our communities. Let’s work together to build a healthier, vaccine-confident community,” the expert concluded.
National Immunisation Week: As we inch closer to the end of this day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, listed vaccines that are a must for children from birth till they turn 1. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
