IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES

Immunization schedules vary from country to country and need to be revised time to time, depending on the: (a) local disease prevalence, (b) epidemiological features, e.g. common age of infection, (c) availability of safe and effective vaccine, (d) economic feasibility and cost­effectiveness, and (e) logistic considerations.

An appropriate immunization schedule should cover (a) as many prevalent diseases as possible, (b) as early as possible before the exposure to infection and (c) with minimum number of clinic visits to avoid inconvenience to parents and drop-outs.

Currently, two immunization schedules are followed in India - National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for immunization of general population through public resources and IAP Immunization Schedule recommended by Indian Academy of Pediatrics, for use in an individual child through private sector. Both schedules are often complementary and not contradictory.

9.3.1