Immunization is the process of injecting a vaccine into the body to prevent certain illnesses. Newborns get their first dose of immunity while in the womb and later through breast milk. Getting them immunized will, therefore, assist their bodies in fighting some infections.
Immunization Schedule in Government Hospitals
In Kenya, the government has released a list of vaccines that your baby needs. This is under the guidance of the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunisations (KEPI). The schedule starts right from birth and what it entails is listed as follows:
Vaccines Given at Birth
These are:
- BCG– prevents Tuberculosis
- OPV– Prevents Polio
- HEP B– prevents Hepatitis B
- DPT– Prevents diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus
- HIB– Prevents Haemophilus Influenzae type B
At 6 Weeks
Vaccines administered at this time are:
- HEP B– prevents Hepatitis B
- HIB– Prevents Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- OPV– Prevents Polio
- PNEUMOCOCCAL– Prevents Pneumonia
- ROTA VIRUS- Prevents RotaVirus
- DPT– Prevents diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus
At 10 Weeks
Vaccines administered before the end of 2 months are:
- HEP B– Prevents Hepatitis B
- PNEUMOCOCCAL– Prevents Pneumonia
- HIB– Prevents Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- ROTA VIRUS– Prevents Rota Virus
- DPT– Prevents diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus
At 14 Weeks
Vaccines administered when they are 3 months in include:
- HEP B– Prevents Hepatitis B
- OPV-Prevents Polio
- PNEUMOCOCCAL– Prevents Pneumonia
- ROTA VIRUS– Prevents RotaVirus
At 6 Months
Vaccines administered on the 6th month are
- Vitamin A-Prevents Vitamin A deficiency
At 9 Months
Vaccines administered at 9 months include
- Measles-Prevents Measles
- Yellow Fever-Prevents Yellow fever
This schedule represents what would usually happen in a government hospital.
Additional Vaccines in Private Hospitals
Private hospitals have a few extra vaccines that they add to the government schedule. These are-
- Pentavalent vaccine – This is a combination of five vaccines, hence its name. It covers diphtheria, Hepatitis B, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus Influenzae. Its given a 6, 10 & 14 weeks
- Chicken Pox 1 and 2 – Given at 9 and 12 months
- Flu vaccine-Given at 6 and 7 months
- MMR-Mumps, Measles and Rubella-Given at 15 months
- Menactra 1 -Given at 9 months to prevent meningitis
- Typhoid-Given at 2 years.
- Yellow fever – given at 9 months
- Additional Measles vaccine– given at 2 years
- Additional Vitamin A– given every 6 months
Things to Expect After Immunization
It is important to know that some vaccines like DPT, Chicken Pox, Haemophilus Influenza B, Hepatitis B and Measles may cause a mild fever in your baby. Pack or dress your baby lightly on visits that your baby will get these vaccines. Using a cold compress on the injection site afterwards may prove useful in reducing swelling.
Once all this is done your baby will be protected from most of the childhood diseases that were considered serious.
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another.
#Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: resolution, motherhood101, seattlechildrens, parentune
