Vaccines are an important aspect of preventive care for babies and children. They protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases and help maintain overall public health. Medical experts advise following a vaccination schedule. The vaccination schedule for babies is carefully designed to protect against serious illnesses at the earliest age possible, when babies are most vulnerable. It is important to follow the recommended schedule as closely as possible to ensure that your baby is fully protected. For babies up to two years old, the following vaccines are recommended:
1. Hepatitis B vaccine
This vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause serious health problems, including liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and can be spread through sexual contact, sharing of needles or other injecting equipment, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given in three doses:
- First dose: given at birth
- Second dose: given at 1-2 months
- Third dose: administered at 6-18 months
It is important to complete the full series of hepatitis B vaccines in order to ensure the best protection against this serious disease. In Pakistan, the hepatitis B vaccine is included in the national immunisation schedule and is provided free of charge through public health services.
2. Rotavirus vaccine
This vaccine protects against rotavirus, a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be especially serious in young children. The rotavirus vaccine is typically given in two or three doses:
- First dose: given at 2 months of age
- Second dose: given at 4 months
- Third dose: given at 6 months
3. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
This vaccine protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and paralysis. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, and pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing spells that can last for weeks. The DTaP vaccine is typically given in four doses:
- First dose: at 2 months of age
- Second dose: at 4 months
- Third dose: administered at 6 months
- Fourth dose: given at 15-18 months
It is important to complete the full series of DTaP vaccines in order to ensure the best protection against these serious diseases.
4. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib)
This vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B, a bacterium that can cause serious infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and can cause severe health problems, such as hearing loss, paralysis, and death. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing, high fever, and chest pain, and bloodstream infections can spread rapidly throughout the body and be life-threatening. The Hib vaccine is typically given in three doses:
- First dose: at 2 months of age
- Second dose: at 4 months
- Third dose: at 6 months
5. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
This vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing, high fever, and chest pain, and meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bloodstream infections can spread rapidly throughout the body and be life-threatening. The PCV vaccine is typically given in three doses:
- First dose: at 2 months of age
- Second dose: at 4 months
- Third dose: at 6 months
6. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
This vaccine protects against poliovirus, a highly contagious virus that can cause permanent paralysis and death. Polio can cause muscle weakness, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, can lead to paralysis of the arms, legs, or breathing muscles. The IPV vaccine is typically given in four doses:
- First dose: at 2 months of age
- Second dose: at 4 months
- Third dose: at 6-18 months
- Fourth dose: at 4-6 years
In some countries, including Pakistan, oral polio vaccine (OPV) is also used along with IPV to provide complete protection against poliovirus. It is important to complete the full series of IPV vaccines to ensure the best protection against this serious disease.
7. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR)
This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, three serious diseases that can cause severe complications, including brain damage and birth defects. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause high fever, rash, and eye infections, and can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Mumps is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the salivary glands and can lead to hearing loss and meningitis. Rubella is a viral infection that can cause a rash, low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes, and can cause birth defects in a developing fetus if a pregnant woman contracts the virus. The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses:
- First dose: at 12-15 months
- Second dose: 4-6 years later
8. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious disease that can cause blister-like rashes, fever, and itching. Chickenpox can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and bacterial infections, and can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. The varicella vaccine is typically given in two doses:
- First dose: given at 12-15 months of age
- Second dose: given at 4-6 years of age
It is important to complete the full series of varicella vaccines in order to ensure the best protection against this disease. In some countries, including Pakistan, the varicella vaccine may not be part of the routine immunisation schedule, but it can be obtained through private healthcare providers.
9. Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against the hepatitis A virus, which is a highly contagious liver infection. The vaccine is typically given in two doses:
- First dose: given at 12-23 months of age
- Second dose: given 6-18 months later
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A is especially important for babies who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus, such as those who travel to countries with high rates of hepatitis A or who have close contact with someone infected with the virus.
10. BCG
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) disease. A single dose of BCG vaccine is administered routinely at birth in Pakistan. The vaccine is administered just beneath the skin. If the child misses the dose at birth, it can be administered later on as well.
11. OPV
Oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV) are the predominant vaccine used in the fight to eradicate polio. OPV is given orally, protecting the mouth, in the intestines and then in the blood. Protection in the mouth and intestines is important as polioviruses infect the mouth and multiply in the intestines.
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
- Third Dose: 6-18 months
- Fourth Dose: 4-6 years
Despite efforts to expand access to vaccines, many children in Pakistan still do not receive all of the recommended vaccines, and there are parts of the country where vaccine-preventable diseases remain a significant public health concern. To help improve vaccine coverage rates in Pakistan, the government and healthcare providers are working to increase public awareness about the importance of vaccines and to make it easier for families to access vaccines. This includes expanding the network of immunisation clinics and making sure that all healthcare providers have the training and resources they need to deliver vaccines effectively. Parents need to stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines to ensure their baby is protected against serious illnesses. Vaccines are safe and effective, and they have been thoroughly tested and monitored for side effects. Getting your baby vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health!
