What's new in the latest 2011 Immunization Schedule for Indian Children by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics?

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) is the parent body of more than 16,500 pediatricians (as of 2007) in India, and is responsible for establishing standardized guidelines for various childcare issues. The latest guide-lines provide some important changes that child specialists and parents need to be aware about, regarding vaccination of their children.

Here is a list of altered recommendations in the 2011 guidelines

1. Hepatitis A has been rightfully preponed to age 1 year (from 1.5 years previously) for the first dose. The second dose is 6 months after the first dose.
2. An additional dose of Chicken Pox vaccine (Booster) is recommended at 5 years age. This is probably as per the US guidelines, and due to the fact that lots of breakthrough cases were being witnessed after CP vaccination. For children who have not taken CP vaccination, two doses can be given at three months interval. Adults above the age of 13 years can take two doses at a month gap.
3. MMR booster is now clearly recommended at 5 years. While this is the same recommendation as before, the fact that soon a combination vaccination of CP & MMR is likely to be made available in India, would make this a more convenient option.
4. The confusing recommendation of some (newer, more expensive) vaccinations to be given after"one to one" discussion with parents has been removed. This makes it easier for pediatricians to recommend the vaccines, and the parents to decide as per their paying capacity (since we do not have Insurance cover for vaccines in India yet), about the decision to take the vaccine or not.

This appears to be a well thought out, comprehensive and scientific set of recommendations that have simplified the Immunization guidelines for Indian Children. Parents should take printouts of this guideline and encourage their pediatricians to follow the same, since vaccination schedules tend to vary across India.

The guidelines are not only less confusing, but also have moved towards International standards now, making it easier to vaccinate children in this era of global movement.

Suggested Reading

IAP 2011 Immunization Boooklet

What are some good Internet Resources for Information about Newer Vaccines?

I understand the need for getting the latest unbiased information about the newer vaccines, since many mass media (like newspapers, TV channels etc.) are filled with horror stories regarding drugs and vaccines. Most of these reports, at least in the Indian media, are sensationalized, over simplified and have inaccurate conclusions with the intention of boosting sales. These lead to avoidable panic, and sometimes serious delays in providing appropriate vaccinations to children.

However since the internet is a very democratic medium, and virtually anyone can (& does) provide their opinion online, it can be tough for a parent to search for accurate information online. Here are a few websites that provide excellent, well researched and peer -reviewed information (checked by experts) online.

1. Indian Academy of Pediatrics - Committee on Immunization - provides latest recommendations for vaccinating children in India.
2. WHO - Immunization - WHO Position papers on vaccines
3. CDC - Vaccination
4. Immunization Action Coalition - Educational material for parents
5. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Information for parents, especially regarding vaccine safety
6. PATH - Excellent updated information about vaccination from different resources
7. National Network for Immunization Information

Suggested Reading

IAP Guide book on Immunization 2011 (Page 161)

Latest Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommendations 2011 for vaccinating children in India

Iap Guide Book on Immunization Iap Immunization Time Table 2011

Finally we have the latest guidelines from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, the official & the largest body of Pediatricians in India.

Unfortunately, in India a lot of Pediatricians, especially from the smaller cities and towns seem to be following somewhat random schedules, that are not only outdated but may lead to decreased vaccine efficacy.

I would encourage parents to download this chart, and use this as a guide for getting their children vaccinated in India