Polio is not the only immunisation which your child needs

India8217;s immunization programme is one of the largest in the world in terms of quantity of vaccines, number of beneficiaries and the area covered.

WHAT 038; WHEN

Six vaccines 8212; for TB, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles and tetanus come under the programme. It is also proposed to include Hepatitis B vaccine.

The government has prioritized the killer diseases, but parents can provide additional protection. While some of these vaccines can be taken anytime, it is best if they are administered before your child turns five.

8226; Typhoid: Doses have to be repeated every three years.

8226; Hepatitis A: Important because one is continuously exposed to unhygienic conditions.

8226; Hemophilus Influenza B: Protects from infections of blood, brain, lungs, middle ear and pnuemonia.

8226; Varicella: For chicken pox.

8226; Pneumococcal Vaccine: For infections of blood, brain, joints, inner ears.

8226; Meningococcal Vaccine: For meningococemia.

8226; Influenza: For flu and respiratory complications

The 6th what next

Vaccine trials are underway for Rotavirus8212;the commonest cause of diarrhoea among children. Trials are on for two types of vaccines, one of them an oral drop. Though a version hit the market sometime ago, it was withdrawn due to life threatening symptoms. Also, scientists are working on combination vaccines. If it is successful, we may have a single shot for five to seven diseases.