Leading pediatricians have called on parents to ensure their children aged 4–6 receive booster doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP), and Polio vaccines before school entry, warning of waning immunity and increased exposure in group settings. While infants receive their primary vaccines under the National Immunization Program (NIP), medical evidence shows that protective antibody levels decline significantly by age four, leaving children vulnerable.
“Starting school brings higher social interaction and new health risks. The 4–6-year booster dose is essential to reinforce early immunity and provide sustained protection,” said Dr. Lokesh Pande, Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician at Bhagirathi Neotia Hospital, Kolkata. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends modern combination vaccines for their broader coverage and ease of administration, particularly in school-age children. These vaccines also support India’s milestone achievements like polio eradication.
In Kolkata, several private and public schools are increasingly aligning with this health advisory by requesting updated vaccination records at the time of admission. Local pediatric clinics have reported a rise in parents inquiring about booster schedules, reflecting growing awareness in the city’s health-conscious market. Experts stress that timely boosters are vital not just for individual protection but for maintaining broader public health gains and preventing classroom outbreaks.