Immunisations are of 3 types:

1. Primary – setting up of Specific Immunity for a particular disease. Different vaccines require 1 to 5 doses for Primary immunisation.
2. Booster – Self-explanatory. After some time has elapsed, the level of ANTIBODIES start falling. Our research has shown approximate time period when that happens. A Booster dose is then given to provide that filip to the level of ANTIBODIES.
3. Mass Immunisation – In times of epidemics. When eradication programmes are going on. These are generally organised by Government in association with practising doctors. It is our duty to vaccinate our children during such mass immunisation programmes, as National Health status is also our responsibility. Pulse Polio is a more recent example where mass immunisation by polio vaccine is carried out in order to provide herd immunity.

SCHEDULE:

1. Acute febrile illness: Immunization is postponed for acute illness with high fever. However it should not be postponed for minor illnesses like colds and coughs.
2. Unknown immunization status: Consider child susceptible and immunize.
3. Lapse in routine immunization schedule: This does not interfere with routine immunization response. It is unnecessary to repeat doses.
4. Prior anaphylactoid (severe allergic reaction) reaction to same or related vaccine: Defer immunization till skin testing is performed.