New parents arrive at our immunisation clinic with a card full of abbreviations and a lot of anxiety. Here is the plain-language version.
The core schedule
- At birth: BCG, oral polio, hepatitis B
- 6, 10 and 14 weeks: DTP-containing pentavalent vaccine, polio, rotavirus, pneumococcal
- 9 months: measles-rubella, vitamin A
- 16–24 months: boosters for DTP and polio, second MR dose
- 5–6 years: DTP booster
- 10 and 16 years: tetanus-diphtheria boosters
Optional vaccines worth discussing
Typhoid conjugate, hepatitis A, chickenpox, influenza (annually) and HPV for adolescents. These cost extra but prevent illnesses that are common in our region. HPV in particular prevents cervical cancer and is best given before adolescence.
If you have missed doses
Almost no vaccine schedule needs to be restarted from the beginning. Bring the card and we will design a catch-up plan. A delay is far better than skipping altogether.
What to expect afterwards
Mild fever, irritability and local swelling for 24–48 hours are normal and reflect the immune system responding. Paracetamol at the weight-appropriate dose is fine. Return the same day if there is a high fever beyond 48 hours, persistent inconsolable crying, or a swelling larger than a lemon.
Two myths worth retiring
Vaccines do not cause autism — this has been examined in studies involving millions of children. And a child with a mild cold or a runny nose can still be vaccinated safely.
