The National Immunisation Schedule is a cornerstone of public health in India, providing a structured framework for protecting individuals from preventable infectious diseases. A NEET PG candidate cannot afford to miss this schedule, not only to pass their examinations but also to build clinical insight.

Knowledge of the development of the programme, its creation under the Expanded Programme of Immunisation, and its deployment in the National Health Mission is vital. It will enable future doctors to create appropriate strategies to implement in their practices to ensure their patients are properly vaccinated in a timely manner.

What is the National Immunisation Schedule?

The Expanded Programme of Immunisation, launched in 1978, was later upgraded to the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985. In 1992, the UIP was incorporated into the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme. From 1997 onwards, immunisation has been a significant component of the National Reproductive and Child Health Programme, and since 2005, it has remained one of the priority areas under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

The National Immunisation Schedule 2023 initiative provided free vaccinations for children across India, covering protection against 11 different diseases and conditions. As a part of such a programme, the state governments create the schedules of immunisation, determining the minimum and maximum age at which vaccines against specific diseases should be given. This ensures timely and effective vaccination for eligible children.

National Immunisation Schedule Chart

To avoid the threat of preventable diseases, the Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive schedule of vaccination against diseases in which pregnant women, infants, children and adolescents should be vaccinated.

Schedule for Pregnant Women

Vaccine	Recommended Time	Dose	Route	Site
TT-1	Early pregnancy	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Upper arm
TT-2	4 weeks after TT-1	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Upper arm
TT-Booster	Within 3 years of receiving TT-1 and TT-2	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Upper arm

Note: TT-2 or booster should preferably be given before 36 weeks of pregnancy. In special circumstances, it may be given later.

Schedule for Infants

Vaccine	Recommended Time	Dose	Route	Site
BCG	At birth or within 1 year	0.1 ml (0.05 ml if under 1 month)	Intradermal	Left upper arm
Hepatitis B (Birth Dose)	Within 24 hours of birth	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Antero-lateral thigh
OPV-0	Within 15 days of birth	2 drops	Oral	Oral
OPV 1, 2, 3	6, 10, 14 weeks	2 drops	Oral	Oral
Pentavalent-1, 2, 3	6, 10, 14 weeks	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Antero-lateral thigh
Rotavirus	6, 10, 14 weeks	5 drops	Oral	Oral
IPV	Two half-doses are given at 6 and 14 weeks of age	0.1 ml	Intra-dermal twofractional dose	Intra-dermal:Right upper arm
Measles / MR 1stDose	9 to 12 months	0.5 ml	Subcutaneous	Right upper arm
Japanese Encephalitis (1st dose)*	9 to 12 months	0.5 ml	Subcutaneous	Left upper arm
Vitamin A (1st dose)	9 months (with measles-Rubella)	1 ml (1 lakh IU)	Oral	Oral

Schedule for Children and Adolescents

Vaccine	Recommended Time	Dose	Route	Site
DPT Booster-1	16–24 months	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Antero-lateral thigh
Measles/ MR 2nddose	16–24 months	0.5 ml	Subcutaneous	Right upper arm
OPV Booster	16–24 months	2 drops	Oral	Oral
Japanese Encephalitis (if applicable)	16–24 months	0.5 ml	Subcutaneous	Left upper arm
Vitamin A***(2nd to 9th dose)	16-18 months. Then one dose every 6months till the age of 5 years	2 ml (2 lakh IU)	Oral	Oral
DPT Booster-2	5–6 years	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Upper arm
TT	At 10 years and again at 16 years	0.5 ml	Intramuscular	Upper arm

Additional Notes:

• Pregnant women in labour may be given TT-2 if they have not previously received the TT or pentavalent vaccine.
• The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is administered only in select endemic districts.

Importance of National Immunisation Schedule

The following highlights why the National Immunisation Schedule is important:

1. Life-Saving Protection Against Serious Diseases

The National Immunisation Schedule safeguards children from life-threatening illnesses that can cause permanent disability or death. Conditions such as polio may result in paralysis, hepatitis A can lead to liver damage, and tetanus can be fatal. Certain diseases, including measles and tetanus, have no cure, making timely vaccination essential for prevention.

2. Control of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

While vaccination programmes have reduced the prevalence of many infectious diseases in India, the pathogens responsible still exist. A decline in vaccination rates can lead to the re-emergence of these illnesses, as seen in other nations. For instance, polio is still present in neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, and travellers could reintroduce it to India, which will lead to rapid spread if immunity levels drop.

3. Community Protection Through Herd Immunity

Immunisation benefits extend beyond the vaccinated individual. When a certain portion of the population is immunised, it becomes difficult for diseases to circulate. This provides indirect protection to vulnerable groups who undergo medical treatments and those with weak immune systems.

4. Proven Safety and Effectiveness

Vaccines are strictly tested to determine whether they are safe and effective before being licensed to be used in the Indian community, and their safety is frequently checked. Major campaigns on immunisation have helped to eradicate some deadly diseases such as polio and smallpox in the country.

5. Health Security for Future Generations

Continued adherence to the immunisation schedule helps ensure that future generations remain protected, preventing the return of diseases that once posed a significant health threat.

6. Cost-Effective Disease Prevention

Vaccines are much more cost-effective than the treatment of infectious diseases. Illness prevention lowers the rate of expensive doctor visits, hospital stays, and drugs and saves the family and the healthcare system a great deal of money.

FAQs About immunisation Schedule

1. Who is covered under the National Immunisation Schedule?

The NIS schedule covers pregnant women, infants, children, and adolescents.

2. Are vaccines under the schedule free?

Yes, any vaccine covered by the National Immunisation Schedule is offered free of cost under government health programmes.

3. Are there any side effects of vaccinations?

Yes, vaccinations can sometimes cause minor side effects such as pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, skin rashes, or allergic reactions. In the event that unusual and serious side effects occur after vaccination, seek medical consultation promptly.

Conclusion

Following the National Immunisation Schedule is a prerequisite in the prevention of serious and preventable diseases in children, since various diseases pose threats at various stages of childhood. Timely vaccination, following the most recent recommendations, ensures optimal protection and long-term health.

Being a NEET PG candidate, it is especially critical to learn the National Immunisation Schedule in order to make the pertinent clinical choices. DocTutorials provides concise video lectures, practice questions, revision schedules and mentorship by subject experts to assist you in learning.

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