Top 5 Crucial Vaccines for Child Immunization in India - Dr G Nasiruddin

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting children from life-threatening diseases. India has made significant progress in immunization, with various vaccines available to combat infectious diseases.

In this article, we will discuss five crucial vaccines available in India: Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV) for polio, Rotavirus vaccine, Rubella vaccine, Japanese Encephalitis vaccine, and Malaria vaccine.

Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV)

The IPV vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly, typically at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. India has made significant strides in polio eradication, with no wild poliovirus cases reported since 2011.

The IPV vaccine has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, ensuring children are safeguarded against this debilitating disease.

Rotavirus Vaccine

The Rotavirus vaccine shields children from severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection. Administered orally at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, the vaccine has reduced hospitalizations and deaths due to diarrhea.

India introduced the vaccine in 2016, and it has since been integrated into the national immunization program, protecting millions of children.

Rubella Vaccine

The Rubella vaccine protects against German measles, a disease that can cause congenital abnormalities during pregnancy. The vaccine is administered subcutaneously at 9-15 months and 16-18 months.

India launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in 2017, aiming to eliminate rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine safeguards against a mosquito-borne disease that can cause brain inflammation. The vaccine is administered subcutaneously at 9-12 months, with a booster dose at 16-18 months.

India has implemented targeted vaccination programs in high-risk areas, significantly reducing JE cases.

Malaria Vaccine

The RTS,S Malaria vaccine, introduced in India in 2022, protects against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Administered intramuscularly at 6, 7.5, and 9 months, the vaccine has shown efficacy in reducing severe malaria cases.

India's malaria elimination efforts have gained momentum with the introduction of this vaccine.

These five vaccines have revolutionized India's immunization landscape, protecting children from life-threatening diseases. The government's efforts to expand vaccination coverage and introduce new vaccines have yielded remarkable results.

Continued awareness and immunization efforts will ensure a healthier future for India's children. Parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers must work together to maintain momentum and achieve universal immunization coverage.