Vaccination shedule

Vaccination is a key component of public health and disease prevention. Adhering to a vaccination schedule is crucial for several reasons, which impact both individual health and the health of the wider community.

1. Birth to 1 Year (Infants)

• At Birth:
  • Hepatitis B (HepB): 1st dose
    Protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease.
  • BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin): 1 dose
  • OPV(0) [Oral polio vaccine]: 1 dose
• 1-2 Months:
  • Hepatitis B (HepB): 2nd dose
  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): 1st dose
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): 1st dose
  • IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine): 1st dose
  • PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): 1st dose
  • Rotavirus (RV): 1st dose (oral vaccine)
• 4 Months:
  • DTaP: 2nd dose
  • Hib: 2nd dose
  • IPV: 2nd dose
  • PCV13: 2nd dose
  • Rotavirus (RV): 2nd dose
• 6 Months:
  • HepB: 3rd dose
  • DTaP: 3rd dose
  • Hib: 3rd dose (if required)
  • IPV: 3rd dose
  • PCV13: 3rd dose
  • Rotavirus (RV): 3rd dose (if required)
  • Influenza (Flu): 1st dose (Annual flu vaccination begins)

2. 1 to 3 Years (Toddlers)

• 12-15 Months:
  • Hib: Final dose
  • PCV13: Final dose
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 1st dose
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): 1st dose
  • HepA (Hepatitis A): 1st dose
• 15-18 Months:
  • DTaP: 4th dose
• 18-24 Months:
  • HepA: 2nd dose (6 months after 1st dose)

3. 4 to 6 Years (Pre-schoolers)

• DTaP: 5th and final dose
• IPV: 4th and final dose
• MMR: 2nd dose
• Varicella: 2nd dose

4. 7 to 10 Years (Early Childhood)

Catch-up vaccines may be administered if any previous doses were missed.

• Influenza (Flu): Annual vaccination

5. 11 to 12 Years (Pre-adolescents)

• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): Booster shot
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): 1st and 2nd dose (given 6-12 months apart)
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY): 1st dose

6. 13 to 18 Years (Adolescents)

• Meningococcal (MenACWY): Booster shot at age 16
• HPV: If not already completed, finish the series
• Tdap: Catch-up if not given earlier
• Influenza (Flu): Annual vaccination

7. 19 to 26 Years (Young Adults)

• HPV: If not previously vaccinated, young women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 should receive the HPV vaccine series
• Influenza (Flu): Annual vaccination
• Tdap: A booster is recommended if not given recently, followed by a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years

8. 27 to 64 Years (Adults)

• Influenza (Flu): Annual vaccination
• Tdap: Booster every 10 years
• Varicella: Two doses if not previously vaccinated or no history of chickenpox
• HPV: Recommended up to age 45 for those at risk

9. 65+ Years (Older Adults)

• Influenza (Flu): Annual vaccination
• Tdap or Td: Every 10 years
• Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV20 or PCV15): Single dose or combination to protect against pneumonia
• Shingles (Zoster): Two doses of Shingrix to prevent shingles

10. Special Circumstances (All Ages)

• COVID-19 Vaccines: As recommended by public health guidelines
• Travel Vaccines: Yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, and Japanese encephalitis based on travel destinations
• High-risk Individuals: May need additional vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal)

Additional Notes

• Influenza Vaccine: Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
• Catch-up Vaccines: Individuals who miss vaccinations should get catch-up vaccines as per guidelines.
• Vaccine Recommendations for Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester and the flu vaccine during flu season.

Also Read: Importance of Following a Vaccination Schedule