About

Dr. V Ramasubramanian MD, MRCP*

Immunization refers to the artificial induction of immunity. It can be by (i) Active Immunization: the use of live attenuated infectious agents or inactivated toxins, or antigens obtained by genetic recombination OR (ii) Passive Immunization: temporary immunity obtained by the administration of immunoglobulins or antitoxins. Certain vaccines are routinely recommended for all infants and children. These include Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and Hepatitis B. H.Influenza (Hib) and varicella vaccines are optional. Every effort should be made to ensure that all children are immunized.

• Adult Immunization Schedule.
• Vaccine Primary course Dosing Reinforcing Comments & age given Interval Doses.
• Diphtheria 3 doses of low dose 4 weeks After 10 years.
• > 10 years vaccine 0.5ml
  sc or im.
• Tetanus 3 doses adsorbed 4 weeks At school leaving.
• > 10 years vaccine 0.5ml sc or im or 10 years after primary course Further booster 10 years later.
• OPV 3 doses 4 weeks Adults 10 yearly Faecal excretion of if
  at continuing vaccine virus up to 6 risk weeks. May be longer if immunity is suppressed.
• Hepatitis A Formerly 2 doses 2 - 4 weeks Single booster For prolonged or >/ =16 years 1 dose of monodose 6 -12 months frequent travel to after initial dose high-risk areas. / course gives Manufacturer immunity upto recommends using 10 years same vaccine for booster dose as was used for primary course.
• Typhoid 2 doses 0.5ml sc or im 4 - 6 weeks 3 yearly All but the first dose > 10 years can be given as 0.1ml id.
• Vi antigen 0.5ml sc or im Single injection 3 yearly > 18 months.
• Oral Ty 21a 3 doses of one Alternate days Full 3 dose Must be stored in > 6 years capsule course annually fridge.
• Yellow fever 1 dose 0.5ml sc 10 yearly Given at designated > 9 months centres only.
• Meningococ 1 dose 0.5ml sc or im Every 3 years May be less effective - al A&C under 18 > 2 months of age.
• Hepatitis B 3 doses 1.0ml im 0, 1 and 6 One booster > 12 years months at 3 - 5 years.