Vaccines are essential for preventing infectious diseases. Below is a comprehensive guide covering immunisation schedules, types of vaccines, and special considerations.
1. Routine Vaccination Schedule (WHO/CDC Guidelines)
A. Infants & Children
| Vaccine |
Doses |
Recommended Age |
| BCG (Tuberculosis) |
1 dose |
At birth |
| Hepatitis B |
3 doses |
0, 1, 6 months |
| OPV/IPV (Polio) |
3–4 doses |
2, 4, 6–18 months |
| DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) |
3–5 doses |
2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, 4–6 years |
| Hib (Haemophilus) |
3–4 doses |
2, 4, 6, 12–15 months |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) |
3–4 doses |
2, 4, 6, 12–15 months |
| Rotavirus |
2–3 doses |
2, 4, 6 months |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) |
2 doses |
12–15 months, 4–6 years |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) |
2 doses |
12–15 months, 4–6 years |
B. Adolescents & Adults
| Vaccine |
Doses |
Recommended Age |
| HPV (Human Papillomavirus) |
2–3 doses |
11–12 years (up to 26) |
| Tdap/Td (Tetanus booster) |
Every 10 years |
11–12 years, then decennially |
| Meningococcal |
1–2 doses |
11–12 years, 16 years |
| Influenza (Flu) |
Annual |
6 months+ |
C. Elderly (65+ Years)
| Vaccine |
Doses |
Notes |
| Pneumococcal (PPSV23/PCV20) |
1–2 doses |
PCV20 or PPSV23 after PCV15 |
| Shingles (RZV) |
2 doses (2–6 mo apart) |
50+ years |
| COVID-19 |
Boosters as recommended |
Updated variants |
2. Types of Vaccines
| Type |
How It Works |
Examples |
| Live-attenuated |
Weakened live virus |
MMR, Varicella, OPV |
| Inactivated |
Killed pathogen |
IPV, Rabies, Hepatitis A |
| Subunit/Recombinant |
Part of a pathogen (protein/sugar) |
HPV, Hepatitis B |
| mRNA |
Genetic material teaches cells to make proteins |
COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna) |
| Toxoid |
Inactivated toxin |
Tetanus, Diphtheria |
3. Special Considerations
A. Pregnancy-Safe Vaccines
✔ Tdap (for whooping cough protection in newborns)
✔ Influenza (inactivated)
✔ COVID-19 (mRNA preferred)
Avoid:
- Live vaccines (MMR, Varicella)
- HPV, Shingles
B. Immunocompromised Patients
✔ Inactivated vaccines (IPV, Hepatitis B)
Avoid:
- Live vaccines (OPV, MMR, Varicella) unless approved by a specialist.
C. Travel Vaccines
| Destination |
Recommended Vaccines |
| Africa |
Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Meningococcal |
| Asia |
Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A |
| Middle East |
Polio booster, Meningococcal |
4. Common Side Effects & Management
| Reaction |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
| Local |
Redness, swelling |
Cold compress |
| Fever |
Mild fever (≤38.5°C) |
Paracetamol |
| Allergic (Rare) |
Hives, anaphylaxis |
Epinephrine, ER visit |