It sometime seems cruel to see our babies getting pricked routinely for vaccines. But those tears shed during vaccination has the capacity to prevent our kids from many severe diseases in the future.  

Vaccines are widely regarded as one of the safest, most cost-efficient, and most effective public health interventions available for preventing deaths and improving lives. Vaccination or Immunization is the process of exposing an individual to an infectious organism or agent by vaccination. And currently, every country has a national immunization program.

Importance of Vaccine

Immunizations have the potential to save your child's life.

Your child can now be protected against an unprecedented number of diseases. Certain diseases that formerly injured or killed thousands of children have been eradicated entirely, while others are on the verge of extinction – mostly as a result of safe and effective immunizations.

Vaccination is a very safe and effective method of disease prevention.

Vaccines are only administered to children following a lengthy and meticulous evaluation by scientists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Vaccines may cause some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the injection site, but this is insignificant in comparison to the pain, discomfort, and trauma associated with the diseases they prevent.

Immunization safeguards those you care about.

It is critical that you and your children who are vaccine-eligible get properly immunized. This not only protects your family, but also contributes to the prevention of illness spread among your friends and loved ones.

Immunizations can help you and your family save both time and money.

A child who is infected with a vaccine-preventable disease may be denied admission to school or childcare. Certain vaccine-preventable diseases can cause protracted incapacity and can have a financial impact due to lost work time, medical expenditures, or long-term disability care. In comparison, vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases is a wise investment and one of the most cost effective.

Vaccination safeguards future generations.

Vaccines have significantly decreased, and in some cases eliminated, the incidence of numerous diseases that killed or seriously incapacitated people only a few generations before. For instance, immunization against smallpox eradicated illness worldwide.  

Your children are no longer required to receive smallpox vaccinations because the disease has been eradicated. If we continue to vaccinate now and completely, future parents may be able to trust that certain diseases prevalent today will not be around to harm their children.

Immunization Schedule of Bangladesh

Immunization or vaccination schedule refers to a series of vaccinations, including the order in which they are administered, which may be either recommended or mandatory, depending on the country of residence.

The recommended immunization schedule is designed to protect newborns and children during their formative years, when they are most vulnerable and at risk of contracting potentially fatal infections.  

Although World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in May 1974, Bangladesh launched EPI on April 7, 1979 to ensure that infants/children and mothers have access to routinely prescribed infant/childhood immunizations.  
Initially, the EPI comprised six vaccine-preventable diseases: tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles.  

Since the initial focus on six vaccine-preventable childhood diseases more than four decades ago, the inclusion of additional vaccines has expanded the range of immunization protection, now including vaccinations for older children, adolescents, and adults.

EPI remains committed to its aim of universal access to all necessary vaccines for all at-risk groups, collaborating with other public health programs to combat infectious illness and improve the health of all communities worldwide.

Consult the schedule to determine the appropriate age or age range for each vaccine or set of injections.

‍EPI immunization schedule of Bangladesh for children 0 - 1 year of age

‍EPI immunization schedule of Bangladesh for women of child bearing age (15-49 years)

Non-EPI vaccines:

The non-EPI vaccines can be given according to the following schedule:

The Government of Bangladesh provides vaccines for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) program.  

For this, many govt hospitals, clinics, private hospitals and NGOs are responsible for the vaccines' cold chain and delivery.  

EPI Govt Service Available

The following EPI vaccines are available as a government vaccination program for age groups for 0-2 years.
- BCG
- Pentavalent
- Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV)
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
- Measles and Rubella Vaccine
- Tetanus toxoid available for women within childbearing age group 15-49 years

Knowing what each EPI Vaccine is for

• BCG

The BCG vaccine provides protection against tuberculosis, most commonly referred to as TB. Tuberculosis is a dangerous infection that affects the lungs and occasionally other organs such as the bones, joints, and kidneys.  

Additionally, it can induce meningitis. The vaccine should be given shortly after birth, but if not, as soon as feasible (often around the child's sixth week of life).

• Pentavalent

Pentavalent vaccines are used to protect children against the following:

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects mostly the nose and throat, but can also affect the skin.

Pertusis, more commonly referred colloquially as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Hepatitis B is a viral illness that targets the liver, causing jaundice and acute and chronic disease.

Haemophilus influenza B is a potentially fatal virus that can result in severe sickness, particularly in youngsters. Severe headaches, stiff neck, convulsions or seizures, extreme drowsiness, trouble waking up, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing are all possible symptoms.

Tetanus is a deadly sickness that results in convulsions (seizures) and severe muscle spasms that are powerful enough to fracture the spine's bones.

The vaccination should be administered during the child's sixth, tenth, and fourteenth weeks of life.

• Poliomyelitis- Poliomyelitis, most commonly referred to as polio or infantile paralysis, is a contagious disease caused by the poliovirus. Muscle weakness results in an inability to move in approximately 0.5 percent of instances.

The vaccination should be administered during the child's sixth, tenth, and fourteenth weeks of life.

• Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV)

Additionally, IPV provides protection against Poliomyelitis. This supplementary injection type of the poliomyelitis vaccination provides enhanced protection against the disease.

The vaccine should be administered during the child's 14th week of life.

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)

PCV vaccination is used to prevent Pneumococcal polysaccharide infection, which is a leading cause of pneumonia. The respiratory system, sinuses, and nasal cavity are the most often infected areas of the host body.

The vaccination should be administered during the child's sixth, tenth, and eighteenth weeks of life.

• Measles and Rubella Vaccine

This vaccine is used to eradicate both of the following:

Measles is a highly contagious viral virus that is transmitted from person to person via the air.

Measles thrives in an infected person's nasal and throat mucus and can be spread to others by coughing and sneezing.

Rubella- Rubella is a virus-borne disease that is highly contagious. Rubella is transferred through coughing and sneezing in contact with an infected person.

The vaccination should be administered between the ages of 9 and 15 months to the child.

• Tetanus toxoid available for women within age group 15-49 years

Tetanus toxoid, alternatively referred to as Tetanus vaccination, is used to prevent tetanus. Tetanus is a deadly sickness that results in convulsions (seizures) and severe muscle spasms that are powerful enough to fracture the spine's bones.

Commonly asked questions

What is Vaccine?

A vaccine is a biological preparation that boosts the body's ability to fight off a certain disease. When a person gets a vaccine, they usually get an agent that looks like the microorganism that causes the disease.  

This agent can be made from a weakened or killed version of the microorganism or one of its toxins or proteins. When the agent makes the body's immune system think of the agent as foreign, destroy it, and "remember" it, it makes it easier for the immune system to recognize and kill any of these microorganisms it comes across again.

Are Vaccinations Safe?

Immunizations, experts agreed, are safe for your child. Before a vaccine is licensed for use, it undergoes extensive testing.

Immunizations administered via injection are prone to irritate infants and young children. Nursing your baby immediately following the shot can assist her in calming down.  

Frequently, the injection site will be red and swollen. Your infant may develop a low-grade fever. Generally, this is not cause for alarm.  

However, you should consult a physician if she develops a fever or a febrile convulsion.

What are the Vaccines?

The EPI Vaccines:

The government provides free access to the most critical pediatric immunizations through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). These vaccinations are deemed mandatory.  

These immunizations are available at all public hospitals, upazilla health complexes, and union health clinics. Even private facilities that offer immunization services make these vaccines available for free.

These vaccines cover practically all of the major diseases endemic in Bangladesh that are vaccine-preventable. By utilizing these vaccines through the EPI program, you can save up to Tk. 15 thousand on vaccines for your infant. The EPI vaccinations are as follows:

1. BCG

2. Pentavalent vaccine (DPT, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza-B)

3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

4. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

5. Measles & Rubella (MR) vaccine

6. Measles vaccine

Non-EPI Vaccines:

The following vaccines are not covered by the EPI program, you need to purchase the dose privately. These vaccines are considered as optional.

1. Rotavirus

2. Chickenpox/Varicella

3. Hepatitis A

4. Typhoid

5. Meningococcal-C Conjugate

6. Influenza

You may choose to give your baby these immunizations to provide added protection against certain diseases.

These immunizations, however, are not free and may not be available in government facilities.

What Is the Reason to Vaccinate Your Child?

Vaccines are life-saving. Between 2000 and 2017, it is projected that measles immunizations alone avoided approximately 21 million deaths.

Vaccines help protect your child against diseases that can be fatal or cause major illness, particularly in those with developing immune systems, such as infants.

Vaccination is critical for your child's health. Otherwise, highly contagious illnesses such as measles, diphtheria, and polio will resurface in many countries.

Can Your Baby Tolerate All of These Vaccines?

Yes!

Numerous parents are concerned that administering multiple immunizations would overwhelm their child's immune system.  

However, children are exposed to hundreds of pathogens on a daily basis. Indeed, a normal cold or sore throat will be more stressful on your child's immune system than vaccinations.

But these diseases are not present in my community. Do I still need to vaccinate my child?

Yes. While the diseases may have been eradicated in your country or region, our more linked world means that they may spread from locations where they remain.

Can A Vaccine Cause Your Child to Get Sick?

Vaccines are extremely safe and have a low risk of major side effects. Almost all post-vaccination illness or pain is moderate and transient, such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever.  

These are frequently manageable with over-the-counter pain medication prescribed by a physician or by applying a cool cloth to the injection site. Parents who are concerned should consult their physician or other health care practitioner.

Numerous investigations and research have established that there is no link between immunizations and autism.

Can You Delay the Vaccine Schedule?

One of the most effective methods to safeguard your child is to adhere to the immunization schedule suggested in your country.  

Each time a vaccine is delayed, you increase your child's vulnerability to disease. So, of course, it is prudent to obtain immunization for your infant as soon as possible.

Vaccination Center in Dhaka?

All EPI vaccines listed above are provided free of charge by EPI center. You must create a vaccination card and adhere to the schedule. 

The immunization corner is located in most private hospitals and the Chamber of Private Practitioners.

EPI Vaccines are available at all federally funded healthcare facilities, EPI centers, and private health care facilities.

Vaccination is provided at icddrb's Travelers’ Clinic in Mohakhali, Dhaka for visitors and the community, including numerous embassies, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations.

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