Ensuring the health and well-being of children is a priority for every parent, and vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding young ones from preventable diseases. The Childhood Immunisation Schedule in South Africa provides parents with a roadmap to protect their children from a range of serious illnesses.
This guide offers an overview of the vaccines your child needs and why they are important.
The Importance of a Childhood Immunisation Schedule
The Childhood Immunisation Schedule is a carefully planned timeline to administer vaccines at the most effective times in a child’s development. Vaccines not only protect individual children but also contribute to community immunity, preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Related: Misplaced Your Baby’s Clinic Card? Here’s What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement
The South African Childhood Immunisation Schedule
At Birth
- BCG (Bacilles Calmette-Guerin): Protects against severe forms of tuberculosis (TB).
- How it’s given: Injected into the right arm.
- OPV (0) Oral Polio Vaccine: Protects against polio, a disease that can cause paralysis.
- How it’s given: Oral drops.
6 Weeks
- OPV (1): Continues protection against polio.
- How it’s given: Oral drops.
- RV (1) Rotavirus Vaccine: Prevents severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus.
- How it’s given: Liquid by mouth.
- DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (1): Combined vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and hepatitis B.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the left thigh.
- PCV (1) Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the right thigh.
10 Weeks
- DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (2): Second dose for ongoing protection.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the left thigh.
14 Weeks
- RV (2): Second dose of the rotavirus vaccine.
- How it’s given: Liquid by mouth.
- DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (3): Third dose of the combined vaccine.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the left thigh.
- PCV (2): Second dose of the pneumococcal vaccine.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the right thigh.
6 Months
- Measles Vaccine (1): Protects against measles, a highly contagious disease.
- How it’s given: Subcutaneous injection in the left thigh.
9 Months
- PCV (3): Final dose of the pneumococcal vaccine for extended protection.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the right thigh.
12 Months
- Measles Vaccine (2): Booster dose for continued protection.
- How it’s given: Subcutaneous injection in the right arm.
18 Months
- DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (4): Booster dose of the combined vaccine.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the left arm.
6 Years
- Td Vaccine: Protects against tetanus and reduced-strength diphtheria.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the left arm.
12 Years
- Td Vaccine: Second dose for long-term immunity.
- How it’s given: Intramuscular injection in the left arm.
Why Follow the Childhood Immunisation Schedule?
- Timely Protection: Following the Childhood Immunisation Schedule ensures your child is protected against preventable diseases when they are most vulnerable.
- Community Immunity: Vaccinated children reduce the risk of outbreaks, keeping entire communities safe.
- Health Records: Maintaining a vaccination card ensures no doses are missed.
Common Concerns About the Childhood Immunisation Schedule
Are vaccines safe for children?
Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. The side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as slight swelling at the injection site or mild fever.
What if I miss a vaccine?
If you miss a vaccine, consult your healthcare provider immediately. The Childhood Immunisation Schedule can be adjusted to catch up on missed doses.
Can vaccines be given simultaneously?
Yes, most vaccines on the Childhood Immunisation Schedule can be administered together, but certain combinations, such as the measles vaccine, require spacing for optimal effectiveness.
Tips for Parents
- Stay Organised: Keep track of your child’s immunisation dates using a calendar or mobile app.
- Communicate with Your Clinic: Always check with healthcare providers if you have questions about the Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
- Prepare Your Child: Comfort your child before and after vaccinations to make the experience less stressful.
The Childhood Immunisation Schedule is an essential tool for safeguarding your child’s health. By adhering to the schedule, parents ensure their children are protected against serious diseases, contributing to a healthier and happier future.
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