Understanding Vaccine Schedule, Dosages & Booster Doses: Who needs them & Why!

 

As a homeopath, I understand the concerns and questions surrounding vaccinations.

While homeopathy and vaccination operate on different principles, there are indeed similarities in their underlying concepts.

Homeopathy follows the principle of "like cures like," where a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in someone who is unwell.

Similarly, vaccinations introduce a small amount of a weakened or inactive pathogen to stimulate the body's immune response and provide protection against future infections.

This led to his famous aphorism, like cures like or similia similibus curantur, which is often called the principle of similar, and Dr. Hanhemann cited Jenner’s use of cowpox vaccination to prevent smallpox as example.

It's essential to acknowledge that both homeopathy and vaccinations have their place in healthcare and can complement each other.

Vaccinations have been instrumental in preventing and eradicating numerous infectious diseases, saving countless lives worldwide.

However, as with any medical intervention, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and risks and make informed decisions based on individual circumstances.

Ultimately, my perspective on vaccinations is one of ongoing exploration and learning.

I believe in the importance of continuing to study and evaluate the efficacy and safety of vaccines while also respecting individuals' rights to make informed choices about their health.

It's a complex and evolving field, and I remain committed to staying informed and providing the best possible care for my patients.

And the last time I checked, wasn't a vaccine mandatory to enter a shopping mall? 🤣 😋 ( Pun Intended )

Vaccines are a crucial tool in protecting ourselves from dangerous diseases, but did you know that for some illnesses, a single shot isn't enough? 

In this article, we'll delve into the world of vaccine booster shots, exploring how they work and who needs them along with the immunization schedule. 

 

What Are Vaccine Boosters?

Vaccines stimulate our immune systems to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. 

However, immunity can wane over time, or new strains of pathogens may emerge. 

Booster shots provide an extra dose of a vaccine to bolster our immune response, ensuring long-lasting protection against diseases.

 

Who Needs Booster Shots?

Booster shots are recommended for individuals of all ages, from infants to adults. 

Certain vaccines, like those for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), require periodic boosters to maintain immunity. 

Additionally, specific populations, such as healthcare workers and international travelers, may need additional vaccines based on their risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

 

Common Vaccine Boosters

- Hepatitis A and B

- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

- Varicella (chickenpox)

- Influenza (seasonal flu)

- Pneumonia

- Shingles

 

Pregnant Women and Vaccine Boosters

Pregnant women are advised to receive certain booster shots to protect both themselves and their unborn babies. 

The Tdap vaccine, which prevents whooping cough, is recommended during each pregnancy to pass on immunity to the newborn. 

Additionally, pregnant women should receive the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of flu-related complications.

 

Vaccination Schedule in India

The National Immunization Schedule by the Government of India outlines the recommended vaccines for individuals from birth to older ages. 

From BCG at birth to TT boosters at 10 and 16 years, the schedule ensures comprehensive protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Age	Vaccine	When to Give	Dose	Route	Site
For Pregnant Women
Early in pregnancy	TT-1	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Upper Arm
4 weeks after TT-1*	TT-2	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Upper Arm
If received 2 TT doses in a pregnancy within the last 3 yrs*	TT-Booster	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Upper Arm
For Infants
At birth or as early as possible till one year of age	BCG	-	0.1 ml (0.05ml until 1 month age)	Intra-dermal	Left Upper Arm
At birth or as early as possible within 24 hours	Hepatitis B - Birth dose	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh
At birth or as early as possible within the first 15 days	OPV-0	-	2 drops	Oral	Oral
At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (can be given till 5 years of age)	OPV 1, 2 & 3	-	2 drops	Oral	Oral
At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (can be given till one year of age)	Pentavalent 1, 2 & 3	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh
At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (can be given till one year of age)	Rotavirus	-	5 drops	Oral	Oral
Two fractional dose at 6 and 14 weeks of age	IPV	-	0.1 ml	Intra dermal two fractional dose	Intra-dermal: Right upper arm
9 completed months-12 months. (can be given till 5 years of age)	Measles / MR 1st Dose	-	0.5 ml	Sub-cutaneous	Right upper Arm
9 completed months-12 months.	JE - 1	-	0.5 ml	Sub-cutaneous	Left upper Arm
At 9 completed months with measlesRubella	Vitamin A (1st dose)	-	1 ml (1 lakh IU)	Oral	Oral
For Children
16-24 months	DPT booster-1	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh
16-24 months	Measles/ MR 2nd dose	-	0.5 ml	Sub-cutaneous	Right upper Arm
16-24 months	OPV Booster	-	2 drops	Oral	Oral
16-24 months	JE-2	-	0.5 ml	Sub-cutaneous	Left Upper Arm
16-18 months. Then one dose every 6 months up to the age of 5 years.	Vitamin A (2nd to 9th dose)	-	2 ml (2 lakh IU)	Oral	Oral
5-6 years	DPT Booster-2	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Upper Arm
10 years & 16 years	TT	-	0.5 ml	Intra-muscular	Upper Arm

Vaccine booster shots play a vital role in maintaining immunity and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. 

By staying up to date with recommended vaccines and booster doses, individuals can safeguard their health and contribute to broader public health efforts.

Follow the National Immunization Schedule to ensure you and your loved ones are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on which vaccines and boosters are necessary based on your age, health status, and lifestyle factors.