Vaccination is one of the most well-studied and effective ways to protect children from serious infectious diseases — many of which were once leading causes of childhood illness and death, and are now rare precisely because of widespread vaccination. This guide covers the recommended schedule, what to expect at each visit, and answers to the questions parents ask most often.
Why Vaccination Matters
Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognise and fight specific infections — without the child having to get sick first. Beyond protecting your own child, high vaccination rates in a community protect those who can't be vaccinated (such as newborns or children with certain medical conditions) through "herd immunity." Diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio can cause serious complications, and vaccination remains the most effective protection against them.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
The following is based on Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) schedule, which is provided free at government facilities, supplemented with additional vaccines commonly recommended by pediatricians:
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG (tuberculosis), OPV-0 (oral polio), Hepatitis B (1st dose) |
| 6 Weeks | Pentavalent (DTP-HepB-Hib) 1st dose, OPV-1, Pneumococcal (PCV) 1st dose, Rotavirus 1st dose |
| 10 Weeks | Pentavalent 2nd dose, OPV-2, PCV 2nd dose, Rotavirus 2nd dose |
| 14 Weeks | Pentavalent 3rd dose, OPV-3, IPV (injectable polio), PCV 3rd dose |
| 9 Months | Measles 1st dose, Vitamin A |
| 15 Months | Measles 2nd dose / MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) |
| 15-18 Months | Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis A (often given as additional/recommended vaccines) |
| 4-6 Years | DTaP booster, OPV/IPV booster, MMR 2nd dose |
| 9-14 Years | HPV vaccine (typically 2 doses), Tdap booster |
Schedules can vary slightly between clinics and may be adjusted based on your child's individual health needs — always follow your pediatrician's specific recommendations and bring your vaccination card to every visit.
Additional Recommended Vaccines
Beyond the EPI schedule, several vaccines are widely recommended by pediatric societies and are available privately:
- Rotavirus — protects against a major cause of severe diarrhoea in infants
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) — protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections caused by pneumococcus
- Varicella (chickenpox) — reduces risk of chickenpox and its complications
- Hepatitis A — protects against a liver infection spread through contaminated food/water
- Influenza (annual) — recommended yearly, especially for children with chronic conditions
- HPV — recommended for adolescents to protect against HPV-related cancers later in life
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine — recommended in regions where typhoid is common, including Pakistan
Managing Common Side Effects
Most vaccine side effects are mild and short-lived:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site — a cool compress can help
- Mild fever — usually resolves within 1-2 days; appropriate fever-reducing medication can be used if your child is uncomfortable (check the correct dose with your pharmacist or doctor)
- Fussiness or reduced appetite — temporary, usually resolves within a day or two
- Mild rash — can occur, particularly after MMR or varicella, about a week later
Serious allergic reactions are very rare, which is why clinics typically observe children for a short period after vaccination. Seek medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, facial swelling, a high fever, or seems unusually unwell after vaccination.
Behind on vaccinations, or have questions about the schedule? Dr. Yasser Masood can review your child's vaccination history and create a personalised catch-up plan. Book an appointment or call 051-8464646.
Vaccine Safety: Addressing Common Concerns
"Do vaccines cause autism?"
No. This claim traces back to a single study from 1998 that was later retracted due to serious methodological flaws and findings of data manipulation. Since then, numerous large studies involving millions of children across many countries have found no link between vaccines and autism.
"Is it too much for a baby's immune system?"
No. A baby's immune system encounters and responds to countless bacteria and viruses every day through normal life. The antigens in vaccines represent a tiny fraction of this — and vaccines are specifically tested for safety when given according to the recommended schedule, including when multiple vaccines are given together.
"Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity."
While infection does produce immunity, the risk of serious complications — including hospitalization, lasting disability, or death — from diseases like measles, whooping cough, or polio is far higher than any risk from the vaccine. Vaccines provide protection without the risks of the actual disease.
Catching Up on Missed Vaccines
If your child has missed doses — due to illness, travel, or any other reason — this is very common and almost always manageable. There's generally no need to restart a vaccination series from scratch. Bring your child's vaccination card to your pediatrician, who can assess what's missing and create a catch-up schedule appropriate for your child's age.
