Vaccinations have eliminated diseases that once killed millions of children. Here is why they remain critically important, how the IAP schedule works, and common concerns answered.
Key Points
- Vaccination has eradicated smallpox and is close to eliminating polio — among humanity's greatest achievements.
- Herd immunity requires 90–95% vaccination coverage in a community — individual refusal endangers vulnerable others.
- Vaccines are tested more rigorously than most medicines before approval — safety data spans millions of doses.
- Mild fever and soreness after vaccines are signs of immune activation, not vaccine damage.
- Delaying vaccines leaves children vulnerable during the months they are most at risk of serious disease.
2–3M
child deaths prevented by vaccination every year globally
Source: WHO
95%
herd immunity threshold for measles prevention
Source: WHO
0
confirmed cases of smallpox since eradication — entirely through vaccination
Source: WHO
"Every parent who asks me whether to vaccinate their child is asking the right question. I always answer: the risk of the vaccine is a fraction of a percent. The risk of measles encephalitis, whooping cough brain damage, or tetanus is very real."
Vaccines have saved more lives than almost any other medical intervention in history. Polio no longer paralyses Indian children. Smallpox has been eradicated. And yet, vaccine hesitancy is growing. Here is the complete picture — what vaccines do, why they matter, and how to follow the IAP schedule correctly.
How Vaccines Work
Vaccines train the immune system to recognise and fight specific infections — without causing the actual disease. After vaccination, if the person ever encounters the real pathogen, their immune system responds rapidly and prevents serious illness or death. This is true even if the vaccine does not prevent infection entirely — vaccinated people who get infected have vastly milder illness.
The IAP vs the Government (NIS) Schedule
India has two vaccine schedules:
- NIS (National Immunisation Schedule): The government-provided free schedule, focused on the most essential vaccines
- IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) Schedule: A more comprehensive schedule that adds several vaccines not yet included in the government programme — chickenpox, typhoid, hepatitis A, HPV, meningococcal, and others
Parents who wish to give their children the fullest protection can follow the IAP schedule with their paediatrician.
Key Vaccines on the IAP Schedule
- Birth: BCG (TB), Hepatitis B, OPV
- 6, 10, 14 weeks: DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, PCV
- 9 months: Measles (or MMR), additional boosters
- 12–15 months: MMR, Chickenpox, Hepatitis A
- Annually: Influenza vaccine (especially for children with asthma, heart disease, or immune conditions)
- 10 years onwards: Tdap, HPV (for girls and boys)
Addressing Common Concerns
- "Do vaccines cause autism?" No. This claim originated from a fraudulent 1998 study that was retracted. Dozens of large, rigorous studies worldwide have confirmed no link between any vaccine and autism.
- "My child has a fever after vaccination — is this dangerous?" Mild fever after vaccination is a normal immune response, not a sign of illness. It resolves in 1–2 days. Paracetamol can be given for comfort.
- "Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity." Getting the actual disease causes far more risk than the vaccine. Natural immunity to measles comes at the cost of serious illness, pneumonia, encephalitis, and death in some children.
"Every unvaccinated child is not just at personal risk — they reduce herd immunity for infants too young to be vaccinated, and for children with immune conditions who cannot receive vaccines. Vaccination is an act of community protection."
Dr. Sushma B provides complete vaccination services and counselling at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center, Chanda Nagar. Call +91 90633 66983 for your child's vaccination schedule consultation.
Dr. Sushma B
Consultant Paediatrician & Child Health Expert · Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center
MD Paediatrician with 10+ years of clinical experience in child health, vaccination, developmental paediatrics, and newborn care. Practices at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad.
Medically Reviewed
This article follows IAP Immunisation Schedule 2025 and is written by a qualified specialist at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center. It is intended for general health information only — not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References & Sources
- 1.IAP Immunization Schedule 2024-25 — Indian Academy of Pediatrics
- 2.Vaccines and Immunization — WHO — World Health Organization
- 3.Vaccines — NIH MedlinePlus — NIH MedlinePlus
Health Information Standards
IMA — Indian Medical Association
Content follows IMA ethical guidelines for patient education
WHO — World Health Organization
Treatment information aligned with WHO clinical guidelines
MoHFW — Govt. of India — Ministry of Health
Follows MoHFW National Health Programme protocols
NMC — National Medical Commission
All doctors hold NMC-recognised qualifications (DrNB / MD / MPT)
All health tips and medical content on this website are written by qualified specialist doctors (DrNB / MD / MPT), follow the above guidelines, and are intended for general health education only. This content is original and evidence-based — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any health decisions.
Concerned about your health?
Talk to our specialist doctors directly — WhatsApp response within minutes during clinic hours.
Follow Sri Anand CNC — Health Education Videos
Dr. Anand Karnam and Dr. Sushma B regularly share health education videos, symptom guides, and wellness tips in Telugu and English — helping families in Hyderabad stay informed and healthy.
YouTube · Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center
Health education videos — neurological conditions, child health tips, physiotherapy exercises
Instagram · @srianandchildandneurocenter
Daily health tips, doctor reels, patient education in Telugu & English
Facebook · srianandchildandneurocenter
Latest health news, appointment reminders, and awareness posts
WhatsApp Channel · Sri Anand Health Tips
Subscribe for weekly health alerts, vaccine reminders, and neurological wellness tips
