Immunization Schedule: Immunization is a process in which the immune system of an individual is strengthened against an infection. This is done by exposing the immune system to foreign molecules which can induce a protective response from the immune system. Individuals can develop an immunity against common infections as well when they acquire the infection more than once.
The immune cells of the individual keep a memory of the infection and when the same infection tries to enter the body again then it triggers a more swift and effective response from the immune system. This prevents the development of the infection for a second time. This is known as natural immunization or natural immunity. Artificial immunization is when the individual is exposed to foreign particles intentionally. This forms the basis of many vaccines which are available against common and deadly infections.
However, many diseases carry serious complications and getting infected with them can lead to major problems in individuals. Artificial immunizations are considered as less risky and an easier method to develop immunity against a disease. Immunizations are started in babies and children as they have a weaker immunity than adults.
Immunization
Immunization works on the principle that the immune system of every individual keeps a memory of the first encounter with a disease. The immune system has memory cells which retain the memory of the foreign bodies. Hence when these foreign bodies come in contact with the individual again then the memory cells help in the formation of antibodies against these bodies.
This helps the individual to fight against the infection and prevents the development of the infection. If the infection does develop then it does not lead to any serious symptoms in the individual due to the presence of antibodies. Vaccination can prevent the development of many diseases such as Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox and Tetanus.
Because of the large magnitude vaccination drives conducted by various countries Polio has been eradicated from many countries. It is still prevalent in countries where vaccination drives are not as strong. The article below will cover the Immunization schedules for Infants, Children and Pregnant Women.
Types of Immunization
There are two main types of immunization which are used in order to form different vaccines. These types are explained below.
- Active Immunization- In this type, some parts of a microbe or a weakened microbe is inserted into the body of the person. These trigger the immune system of the individual to develop antibodies against the microbe. This also leads to the formation of memory cells which can produce more antibodies when the person comes in contact with the microbe again.
- Passive Immunization- In this type, pre-synthesized antibodies are transferred to the body of the person in order to give immunity to the person. This type of immunity works rapidly however it does not last long as the antibodies get broken down naturally.
Immunization Schedule for Infants
The infants should start receiving their immunization doses as soon as possible because they do not have strong immune systems. They only have some immunity which they receive from breast milk. The schedule for the immunization of infants is given below in the table.
| Vaccine | Disease | When to Administer |
| BCG | Tuberculosis | At birth |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B | Within 24 Hours of Birth |
| OPV-0 | Polio | Within 15 Days of Birth |
| OPV- 1, 2, 3 | Polio | At 6, 10 and 14 Weeks respectively. |
| Pentavalent 1, 2, 3 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib | At 6, 10 and 14 Weeks respectively. Can be given till the age of 1 year. |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus | At 6, 10 and 14 Weeks respectively. Can be given till the age of 1 year |
| IPV | Polio | At 6 and 14 Weeks |
| MMR | Measles, Mumps and Rubella | 9 to 12 Months |
| JE-1 | Japanese Encephalitis | 9 to 12 Months |
| Vitamin A | Measles and Supplementation | Along with MMR Vaccine |
Immunization Schedule for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should get the booster doses of vaccines so that they do not contract any preventable disease during their pregnancy and labour. If they get any of these diseases during pregnancy then it can affect the growing foetus and can even lead to complications. The immunization schedule for Pregnant women is given below.
| Vaccine | Disease | When to Administer |
| TT-1 | Tetanus | Early in Pregnancy |
| TT-2 | Tetanus | 4 Weeks after TT-1 |
| TT-Booster | Tetanus | After 2 doses of TT have been received in the last 36 weeks during a pregnancy |
Immunization Schedule for Children
After the infants reach the age of 2 years then they receive booster doses of the vaccines already administered in order to maintain the immunity which was developed by the initial doses. This helps the immunity to last longer in the children. The immunization schedule for children is given below.
| Vaccine | Disease | When to Administer |
| DPT Booster-1 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 16 to 24 Months |
| MMR-2 | Measles, Mumps and Rubella | 16 to 24 Months |
| OPV Booster | Polio | 16 to 24 Months |
| JE-2 | Japanese Encephalitis | 16 to 24 Months |
| Vitamin A (2nd to 9th Dose) | Measles and Supplementation | 16 to 18 Months. Then one dose is given every six months till the age of five years. |
| DPT Booster-2 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 5 to 6 Years |
| TT | Tetanus | 10 Years and 16 Years |
FAQs Related to Immunization Schedule
The baby should receive their first dose of vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus within the first 24 hours of their birth. They will also receive the first dose of Polio vaccine within 15 days of their birth.
Pregnant women should receive the vaccination doses for Tetanus virus as this virus can cross the placenta and can affect the growing foetus. This can lead to the development of the disease in babies when they are born.
There are two types of immunization which are used for the development of vaccines. These are Active immunization and Passive Immunization. They are described in the article above.
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