Child's vaccination simplified with painless or painful vaccination chart

On-time vaccination is the best gift we can present to our child as this is the only thing which would save them from life-threatening and notorious diseases. Mostly, the vaccines are injectable and might cause pain and discomfort to our little ones; but please remember this is the only way we could give them a healthy and happy tomorrow. Well, the first thing which comes to our mind is whether to choose between a painless or painful vaccine. Trust me, when in dilemma, an informed choice always helps in paving our path forward.

So, let me welcome you to another trending topic of discussion as a parent which is vaccination, and, in this post, I would be providing you all the insights you need to know to get started. Also, at the end of this article I would be sharing with you Baby’s vaccination chart from birth up to 12 years. This would definitely help you in planning for your child's vaccination in advance.

What are the main differences between painless and painful vaccines?

Please note that each recommended vaccine does not come with option of painful and painless variant. Painless and painful only applies to vaccine that has subunit of Pertussis (also known as whooping cough). So, to put it simply, not all vaccine comes with choices.

So let’s quickly compare and know them better:

What are antigens?

Antigens are foreign elements introduced in the body to encourage it to produce an immune system against it and eventually protect the body from being harmed by the disease that those antigens cause.

Which vaccine to choose?

Now that you are well-aware that both the painless and painful vaccines are equally safe and effective; let me tell you why to go for the painless ones. The prime reason for choosing the painless vaccines is that they have mild or sometimes no side effect compared to the painful ones. Though they are little expensive as compared to the painful ones, but they bring a lot of convenience and ease to baby as well as their parents. It is an easy choice, isn’t it? But in case you still think due to availability and low-cost affinity you would like to go for painful vaccines, no issues just go for it.

Baby’s immunization schedule

You have made your choice by now then let’s look at the baby’s vaccination chart.

Please note: This chart is not prepared by me, rather this is the immunization schedule recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). The schedule may be modified by your doctor. My son’s pediatrician has been following the same chart for him, hence thought to share this with you to help you plan for the jab well in advance and consult with the doctor accordingly.

Vaccination Chart:

Know the full names:

Few more things pertaining to the vaccination schedule shared above:

1. A dose of Hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth is essential to prevent mother-to-child transmission

2. If Hepatitis B is given at both, remaining dose can be given at 6 and 14 weeks, or alternatively, 6, 10 and 14 weeks (if mother is HBsAg negative)

3. Combined DPT/Hepatitis B/Hib vaccines can be given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.

4. BCG, OPV and Hepatitis B vaccines, when missed at birth, can be started at the completion of 6 weeks.

5. For typhoid immunization, earliest age recommended: Whole cell vaccines at 6 months, Vi antigen at 2 years, and Oral Ty2 la vaccine at 6 years.

6. Booster dose every 3 years.

7. In addition to routine OPV dose, the recommended ‘Pulse OPV dose’ is also mandatory during PPI campaigns.

8. 2 doses of influenza vaccine are given when immunizing 1st time.

Another thing to note: All beneficiaries aged 15 years and above (birth year 2007 or earlier) can register for Covid-19 vaccination.

Two life-saving tips for parents:

1. After vaccination you could apply ice pack to the injection area few times, it would help reduce pain, swelling and redness.

2. Please keep paracetamol (Calpol/Crocin) drops handy in case your child gets fever.

So, whichever route you choose painless or painful the only motto as a parent is to give your child a disease-free tomorrow away from the deadly clutches of bacteria and viruses. Hoping to see a fully vaccinated road ahead. Happy parenting!

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