National Immunization Schedule

NIS Basics - India's Shield Plan

• Foundation of India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Primary Goal: Prevent morbidity, mortality, and disability from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs).
• Provides free, universal immunization to infants, children, and pregnant women.
• Dynamic schedule, regularly updated by GOI based on disease burden & vaccine availability.
• Crucial for improving child survival rates.

⭐ India's UIP, launched in 1985, was a significant expansion of the Earlier Programme on Immunization (EPI) from 1978.

Infant Schedule (Birth‑1 Yr) - Tiny Vax Titans

• Key Principle: Timely vaccination builds crucial early immunity against severe preventable diseases. Full schedule adherence is vital.
• Vaccines & Timeline:

Child Schedule (1‑18 Yrs) - Booster & Beyond

• DPT 2nd Booster: 5-6 years.
  • Reinforces Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus immunity. Often a pre-school dose.
• Td Vaccine (Tetanus & adult Diphtheria):
  • Given at 10 years & 16 years.
  • Protects through adolescence. Adult 'd' means reduced diphtheria antigen.
• Catch-up: Vital for any missed primary vaccines (e.g., OPV, MMR, JE). Follow official catch-up guidelines.
• Key Missed Doses: Ensure MR/MMR (2nd dose) & JE (2nd dose) if not received at 16-24 months.

⭐ Td vaccine uses adult-type diphtheria toxoid (a lower 'd' antigen content) to minimize local reactions compared to the pediatric 'D' antigen in DPT. oka

Maternal Immunization - Womb‑to‑World Shield

• Protects mother & newborn (neonatal tetanus, diphtheria).
• Vaccine: Td (Tetanus & adult Diphtheria toxoid).
• Schedule for pregnant women:
  • Td-1: Early in pregnancy.
  • Td-2: 4 weeks after Td-1.
  • Td-Booster: One dose if 2 Td doses in prior pregnancy <3 yrs ago.

⭐ All pregnant women receive at least two Td doses, or one booster if recently (within 3 years) fully vaccinated during a previous pregnancy.

NIS Updates & Special Points - Vax Facts Evolved

• Recent Changes: fIPV intro (2 doses: 6, 14 wks); RVV universalized (6, 10, 14 wks); PCV expansion (6w, 14w, 9m booster); MR for Measles; Td for TT (10, 16 yrs, pregnancy).
• Special Vaccines: JE in endemic districts (refer to state guidelines).
• Catch-up Principles: Vaccinate at earliest opportunity. Do not restart interrupted series. BCG till 1 yr; MR till 5 yrs (or campaign age).

⭐ fIPV: 0.1ml intradermal, right upper arm. Two doses at 6 & 14 weeks.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

• BCG, OPV-0, Hep B-0 are crucial birth doses.
• Pentavalent vaccine combines DPT, Hib, and Hepatitis B.
• Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine is given at 9-12 months and 16-24 months.
• Rotavirus vaccine (oral) is administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) is given as two fractional doses at 6 and 14 weeks.
• Td vaccine (Tetanus-diphtheria) replaces TT for pregnant women and older children/adolescents.
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) schedule includes doses at 6, 14 weeks, and a booster at 9 months.