The immunizations schedule as recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics for a preschool child is given below;
DTP (protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough): Five doses of this vaccine are recommended. Three vaccines are given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. The first booster is given at 15-18 months and the second booster dose of DPT is given between 5 and 6 years of age.
MMR (protect against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles): Two doses of this vaccine are recommended. The first is given at 15-18 months and the second dose is given by 5 years of age. According to IAP, the second dose of MMR vaccine can be given at any time 8 weeks after the first dose.
Typhoid vaccine: This vaccine protects against typhoid infection. The first dose is given at 2 years and revaccination are needed every 3- 4 years. A 5 year old is usually due for this shot.
Varicella vaccine: This is given to protect against chicken pox. According to IAP, only one shot of varicella vaccine is needed which is given by in the second year of life. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a booster between 4 and 6 years.
Polio vaccine--- Oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV): Five doses of oral polio vaccine are recommended. Three doses are given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. The first booster is given at 15-18 months and the second booster dose is given by 5 years of age. OPV is recommended by IAP till we achieve polio eradication in India. IPV in India is recommended as an optional vaccine.
Influenza (the flu shot): Flu vaccine protects against influenza (the "flu"). The first shot is given after 6 months. This vaccines needs to be yearly in the fall or early winter. According to IAP, influenza vaccine is an optional vaccine.
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