What is the National Immunization Schedule?

The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) is a systematic vaccination plan designed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, to provide free vaccines to all eligible children and pregnant women. It ensures that children are immunized against deadly diseases like polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, measles, and more.

Vaccination Timeline & Details

1. At Birth

• Hepatitis B (HepB-1) – Administered within 24 hours of birth.
  • Dose: 0.5 ml
  • Route: Intramuscular (IM)
  • Site: Anterolateral thigh (outer thigh)
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0) – Given as a zero dose.
  • Dose: 2 drops
  • Route: Oral
  • Site: Mouth
• Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) – Protects against tuberculosis.
  • Dose: 0.05 ml (0.1 ml if administered after one month)
  • Route: Intradermal (ID)
  • Site: Upper left arm

2. At 6 Weeks (1.5 Months)

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-1) – First dose.
• Rotavirus Vaccine (RV-1) – First dose.
• Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib) – First dose (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenza B)
• Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV-1) – First dose.
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-1) – First dose.

3. At 10 Weeks (2.5 Months)

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-2) – Second dose.
• Rotavirus Vaccine (RV-2) – Second dose.
• Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib) – Second dose
• Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV-2) – Second dose.

4. At 14 Weeks (3.5 Months)

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-3) – Third dose.
• Rotavirus Vaccine (RV-3) – Third dose.
• Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib) – Third dose
• Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV-3) – Third dose.
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-2) – Second dose.

5. At 9 Months

• Vitamin A – First Dose – Improves immunity and vision.
• Measles-Rubella (MR-1) Vaccine – First dose.
• Japanese Encephalitis (JE-1) Vaccine (in endemic areas).

6. Between 16 to 24 Months

• Vitamin A – Second Dose
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – Booster dose
• DPT Booster-1 (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
• Measles-Rubella (MR-2) Vaccine – Second dose.
• Japanese Encephalitis (JE-2) Vaccine (in endemic areas).

7. At 5-6 Years

• DPT Booster-2 – Protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus.

8. At 10 Years

• Tetanus & Diphtheria (Td) Booster – First dose.

9. At 16 Years

• Tetanus & Diphtheria (Td) Booster – Second dose.

10. During Pregnancy

• Td1 & Td2 Vaccines – Protects mother and newborn from tetanus.

Importance of Immunization

1. Prevents Deadly Diseases: Vaccines protect children from life-threatening diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, and hepatitis B.
2. Boosts Immunity: Ensures long-term immunity, reducing the chances of outbreaks.
3. Safe & Cost-effective: Vaccines are tested for safety and provided free under government programs.
4. Protects the Community: Achieves herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Final Thoughts

The National Immunization Schedule is designed to ensure every child in India is protected from preventable diseases. Parents must adhere to the vaccination schedule and ensure their child receives all necessary immunizations on time.

By following this schedule, we can build a healthier and disease-free future for our children. If you have any doubts, consult your pediatrician or visit the nearest government healthcare center for guidance.