2024 Immunization Schedules: Here's What You Need to Know
Introduction
The 2024 immunization schedules are now available and effective immediately. These schedules summarize final recommendations that were previously published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The schedules are designed to help healthcare providers make informed decisions about which vaccines to recommend for their patients.
How to Use the Schedules
To make vaccination recommendations, healthcare providers should:
- Determine the recommended vaccine by age (Table 1).
- Consider the patient's individual risk factors.
- Follow the recommended dosing schedule.
Table 1: Recommended Vaccines by Age
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13 |
| 1 month | Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13 |
| 2 months | Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13 |
| 4 months | Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV |
| 6 months | Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV |
| 12 months | MMR, Varicella, HepA |
| 15 months | MMR, Varicella, HepA |
| 18 months | DTaP, Hib, PCV13 |
| 4-6 years | DTaP, MMR, Varicella |
| 11-12 years | Tdap, Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) |
| 16-18 years | Meningococcal B (MenB) |
National Immunization Programme (NIP)
The NIP is the priority 1 (P1) program of Nepal. Launched as the Expanded Program on Immunization in 2034 BS, the national immunization program has met several milestones over the years, including:
- The introduction of new vaccines, such as the rotavirus vaccine and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
- The expansion of vaccine coverage to all districts of Nepal.
- The achievement of high immunization rates for several key vaccines.
Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease. These antibodies can then protect the body from future infection with that disease.
Vaccines are safe and effective. They have been extensively tested and proven to be safe for use in children and adults. Vaccines have also been shown to be highly effective in preventing disease. For example, the measles vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles, and the polio vaccine is 99% effective in preventing polio.
Conclusion
The 2024 immunization schedules are an important tool for healthcare providers. These schedules provide clear and concise recommendations for which vaccines to give to patients at different ages. By following these schedules, healthcare providers can help protect their patients from a variety of serious diseases.
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