Despite high immunisation coverage in the first year of life, a significant number of children in India remain partially vaccinated after their first birthday. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) stresses the importance of ensuring children receive crucial vaccinations even beyond the age of 1 to protect them from preventable diseases and ensure healthy growth and development.
Dr. Nirmal Kumar Jain, Senior Child Specialist at the Institute of Human Reproduction in Guwahati, highlights the need for 7 essential vaccinations for children aged 1 to 2 years: two doses of chickenpox and hepatitis A, a second dose of meningitis and MMR, booster doses of PCV and DTP Hib IPV, and an annual flu shot. These vaccinations guard against 14 diseases, including chickenpox, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, measles, and pneumonia, among others.
Dr. Jain emphasized, “Vaccination is vital in protecting children from diseases that can have long-term medical and developmental consequences.” The IAP recommends that parents consult paediatricians to ensure children receive the complete vaccination schedule, despite concerns about the discomfort of injections. Guwahati continues to see an increasing demand for vaccines as parents prioritize their children’s health. With more awareness and availability of vaccines, healthcare providers are reporting steady growth in immunisation rates, ensuring a healthier future for the younger generation.