In my daily practice as a paediatrician, immunisation is the topic that raises the most questions — and also attracts the most hoaxes. Let's go through all of it based on the scientific evidence currently available.
Why Is Immunisation So Important?
Vaccines have saved more human lives than almost any medical intervention in history. Polio, which once paralysed millions of children, is now nearly eradicated thanks to global vaccination. Measles, which once killed millions of children each year, fell dramatically after mass immunisation programmes.
The principle is simple: vaccines train the immune system to recognise dangerous pathogens without having to go through a real infection that could end in severe complications or death.
IDAI Recommended Immunisation Schedule
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At birth | Hepatitis B (HB-0), Polio (OPV-0) | Given within the first 24 hours of life |
| 1 month | BCG, Polio 1 | BCG is ideally given before 2 months of age |
| 2 months | DTP-HB-Hib 1, PCV 1, Rotavirus 1 | PCV & Rotavirus are strongly recommended |
| 3 months | DTP-HB-Hib 2, PCV 2, Rotavirus 2 | |
| 4 months | DTP-HB-Hib 3, PCV 3, Rotavirus 3, OPV 3 | |
| 6 months | Influenza (2 doses in the first year) | Repeated every year |
| 9 months | MR (Measles-Rubella) | National immunisation programme |
| 12 months | PCV booster, Varicella, Hepatitis A 1 | |
| 15 months | MMR, DTP-HB-Hib booster | |
| 18 months | Hepatitis A 2, Varicella 2 | |
| 2 years | Typhoid | Repeated every 3 years |
| 5 years | DTP, MMR, OPV/IPV booster | Complete before starting primary school |
Vaccine Myths vs Facts
❌ Myth: "Vaccines cause autism"
✅ Fact: This claim originated from a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield that was later retracted and proven to be data fraud. Wakefield lost his medical licence. More than 20 large studies with millions of subjects in total have found no link between vaccines and autism.
❌ Myth: "Healthy children don't need vaccines; natural immunity is better"
✅ Fact: Natural immunity is indeed strong, but the price can be extremely high — severe complications, permanent disability, even death. Vaccines provide similar immunity without those risks.
❌ Myth: "Too many vaccines overload a baby's immune system"
✅ Fact: A baby's immune system interacts with thousands of antigens every day — from the air, food, and skin contact. The number of antigens in the entire vaccine schedule is nothing compared to that natural exposure.
❌ Myth: "Vaccines contain dangerous ingredients like mercury"
✅ Fact: Thimerosal (an organic mercury-based preservative) once used in multi-dose vaccines has been removed from nearly all childhood vaccines since 2001. And even at the amounts once used, levels were far below the safety threshold.
Managing Post-Immunisation Reactions (AEFI)
Mild side effects after vaccination are proof that your child's immune system is working — not a danger sign:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site: Apply a warm compress; give paracetamol if it bothers the child. Usually resolves within 1–3 days.
- Mild fever (≤38.5°C): Give an antipyretic, ensure adequate fluids, dress the child in light clothing.
- Fussiness and discomfort: Normal for 24–48 hours. Offer extra cuddles and breastfeeding.
Return to the doctor immediately if: fever >40°C, non-stop crying for >3 hours, seizures, or signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, widespread hives).
Questions about immunisation? Always consult your paediatrician. Never make medical decisions based on information from WhatsApp groups or social media, no matter how convincing the source may seem.