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Optional & Mandatory Vaccines for Babies and Children in India
Everybody knows how important it is for children to be vaccinated. Some vaccinations are mandatory in India, whereas there are others that are considered to be optional but do not let that mean that you dismiss them as even they have become a necessity today. We know that it can be hard to remember the vaccine names and their due dates. To make parenting a little bit easier, we made the Vaccination Tracker. This tool provides a customised immunisation schedule at your fingertips. All you have to do is tell us when your baby was born and we’ll do the rest!
List of Optional and Compulsory Vaccines
Here are the mandatory vaccinations for babies in India and optional vaccines for infants in India:
1. At Birth Time
Your baby will need the following:
a) BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin)
This vaccination will cause a bit of swelling at the site it was administered.
What It Prevents
This vaccination prevents Tuberculosis
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
Mandatory as it is a deadly disease that is responsible for two million deaths every year.
b) OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)
OPV is administered in three routine doses during the first year of a child’s life. It is given via oral drops.
What It Prevents
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
OPV is a mandatory vaccination as polio is a disease that damages the nervous system and leads to muscle weakness and even paralysis.
c) Hepatitis B
It is vital that this vaccine is given to your baby within twelve hours of birth in order to prevent viral transfer between you and your baby.
What It Prevents
Hepatitis B virus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
Mandatory as it can cause liver infections and problems in your baby
2. At 6 Weeks (1.5 Months)
Your baby will need the following:
a) DPT 1
There may be swelling and pain at the site and slight fever.
What It Prevents
This vaccine prevents Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as they are contagious and fatal diseases.
b) HiB 1 (Influenza Type B)
These vaccines are found in liquid and lyophilized formulas.
What It Prevents
Brain and Spine damage
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional but recommended to prevent brain and spine damage
c) Rotavirus 1
There are two vaccinations, and the first one is administered at six weeks.
What It Prevents
Rotavirus infection which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, especially in young infants.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
This vaccine is considered to be an optional one, but it is highly suggested that you give your child this vaccination as the Rotavirus infections are highly contagious.
d) PCV 1 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
Most pneumococcal infections occur during the first two years of a child’s life, which is why it is a shot that is given to babies and toddlers.
What It Prevents
It prevents bacteria from causing blood and ear infections.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional, but recommended that you give your child this shot as these infections are contagious.
e) Hepatitis B
Your baby will need a second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
What It Prevents
It protects your baby from the Hepatitis B virus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
This virus can cause liver infections in your child.
3. At 10 Weeks (2.5 Months Old)
Your baby will need to take the following:
a) IPV 2 (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
This will be the second dose.
What It Prevents
Polio
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional, but recommended in order to give them better immunity.
b) DPT 2
The second dose of the DPT Vaccine.
What It Prevents
Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory vaccine as they are contagious.
c) HiB 2
This is the second dose.
What It Prevents
Brain and spine damage
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional but recommended.
d) Rotavirus 2
The second required dose.
What It Prevents
Rotavirus infection.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional, but it is highly suggested as the infections are highly contagious.
e) PCV 2
The second dose of PCV.
What It Prevents
Blood and ear infections.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional, but it is recommended as infections are dangerous.
4. At 14 Weeks (3.5 Months Old)
At this age, your baby will need to take the following:
a) IPV 3
This will be the third dose of this vaccine.
What It Prevents
Polio
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional vaccination, but recommended for better immunity.
b) DPT 3
The third dose.
What It Prevents
Diphtheria, Pertussis, also known as a Whooping Cough and Tetanus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as the diseases are highly contagious.
c) HiB 3
This is the third dose.
What It Prevents
Brain and spine damage
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional but recommended for better immunity.
d) Rotavirus 3
The third required dose.
What It Prevents
Rotavirus infection.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional, but suggested as the infections are contagious.
e) PCV 3
The third dose of PCV.
What It Prevents
Blood and ear infections.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional, but it is recommended that you give your child this shot as these infections are contagious.
5. At 6 Months Old
Your baby will need the following:
a) Hepatitis B 3
The last dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
What It Prevents
Protects your baby from the Hepatitis B virus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
This virus can cause liver infections and problems in your baby.
b) OPV 1 (Oral Polio Vaccine)
Given by oral drops.
What It Prevents
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
This dose is considered mandatory as it gives your child a better chance of protection.
6. At 9 Months Old
Your baby will need the following:
a) OPV 2
Given by oral drops.
What It Prevents
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
Mandatory as it gives your child a better chance of protection.
b) MMR 1
This vaccine is given in two doses.
What It Prevents
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as these are serious illnesses.
c) TCV 1
This vaccine is given in two doses.
What It Prevents
Typhoid
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
It is mandatory as typhoid can be life-threatening.
7. At 12 Months Old
Your baby will need the following:
a) Hepatitis A
This is usually taken in two doses.
What It Prevents
Hep A, liver disease
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
It is mandatory as it is contagious.
8. At 15 Months Old
Your baby will need the following:
a) MMR 2
The second dose of the vaccine.
What It Prevents
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why
Mandatory as they are serious illnesses.
b) Varicella
This will require two doses.
What It Prevents
Chicken Pox
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
The illness is highly contagious, so it is recommended your child gets it.
c) PCV Booster
The final PCV booster.
What It Prevents
Ear infections and blood infections
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Optional but necessary to prevent problematic infections.
9. 18 Months Old (1.6 years)
Your little one will need the following:
a) Hepatitis A 2
The second dose of this vaccine
What It Prevents
Hep A, liver disease
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as it is a contagious disease.
b) DPT B 1
The booster of the DPT Vaccine.
What It Prevents
Diptheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as the diseases are highly contagious.
10. 2 Years Old
Your little one will need the following:
a) TCV Booster
Second dose of vaccine
What It Prevent
Typhoid
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as the disease can be life-threatening
11. 4 Years Old
The following vaccine will be needed:
a) MMR 3
The third dose of this vaccine
What It Prevents
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as the illnesses are serious.
12. 5 Years Old
Your child will need the following:
a) DPT B 2
Second booster of the DPT Vaccine.
What It Prevents
Diptheria, Pertussis, also known as a Whooping Cough and Tetanus.
Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why?
Mandatory as diseases are contagious.
Young mothers should always consult with their doctors to find out all the information that they need and will also be able to ask any questions that may trouble them about it. The pain and suffering a child goes through during the vaccination process will make any mother’s heartache, but remember that your child’s immunity is of vital importance, especially when there are so many viruses and infections flying around.
Also Read:
Child Immunization & Vaccination Schedule
Childhood Vaccinations for Various Diseases Read more
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Vastu Tips to Ensure That Your Money Plant Attracts Wealth
A money plant is good for your home and can affect your financial health positively. But you have to make sure you take care of it right. We'll cover some tips below on how to use and take care of it in this post.
Tips for Caring for Money Plants as Per Vastu to Become Wealthy
Here are a couple of useful tips on taking care of your money plant and how to use it right to get wealthy below.
1. It Should Face the South-east Direction
A Vastu Shastra tip for money plants is that they should be located in the south-eastern corner of your home. This helps in attracting prosperity and keeping negative energy away.
2. Water it Often
A dry and withering money plant will bring you bad luck and misfortune. And by misfortune, we mean bad financial health. Make sure its leaves stay in good health and don't dry or wither. Don't let the plant touch the floor. You can prune and cut its stems and leaves if they wither away or dry up but make sure to maintain it well.
3. It Should Never Be Kept in the East-west Direction
Keeping your money plant in the east-west direction is said to invite troubles into the house. If you're married, this could lead to arguments and messy moments so make sure the money plant doesn't face in this direction.
4. Grow it Indoors
A money plant works best when it grows indoors. Keep it away from direct sunlight and grow it in a pot or glass bottle.
5. Keep it at the North Entrance
Keeping your money plant at the north entrance is said to invite new sources of income and multiple career opportunities. It will also bring you good luck.
6. Say No to Red
Don't keep any red-coloured items in the kitchen or place the plant on any red surfaces such as near red washing machines, dustbins, mixer-grinders, etc. The kitchen and these objects tend to take away your wealth and bring you bad luck.
7. Use a Green Vase or a Blue-coloured Bottle
You can attract more wealth into your life by keeping a money plant in a green vase or a blue-coloured bottle. You can also use a scenic painting as a backdrop to amplify the flow of positive energy into your home.
8. De-clutter Your Home
De-cluttering your home is so important to prevent any negative blockages or disruptions in the flow of energy. Make sure you are able to go from room to room without getting roadblocked and see to it that the plant has enough space and is not holed up in a corner.
9. The Greener, the Better
A money plant symbolizes wealth and how you take care of it matters. In general, the greener the leaves, the better off your finances will be.
10. Do Not Let Others Cut/Prune It
When the leaves are drying up or it's time to cut some stems off, don't let others cut your money plant. This also means not allowing friends, family members, or neighbours to do it. If you let them cut it, it'll symbolise giving away your wealth to someone for free.
11. Go for a Large Pot
Whether you're choosing to plant it in a vase or a pot, make sure to get a large container for the plant. This is because money plants tend to grow haphazardly and not uniformly, in different directions.
12. Check the Soil
Ask your gardener about the type of soil that works best for your money plant if you're not sure. Aerated soil is said to be good for money plants.
13. Keep the Use of Fertilizers to a Minimum
If it's winter, we suggest not using any fertilizers for your money plant. In summers, you can give the plant a liquid nitrate based feed, occasionally. Homemade fertilizers would be a better option for your money plant.
14. Regular Pruning Works Too
You don't have to go overboard when it comes to caring for the plant. Just regular pruning and protecting it from harsh weather conditions are enough to keep the leaves in good shape.
15. Choose a Plant With Heart-shaped Leaves
When you're shopping for a money plant, make sure the leaves are heart-shaped. This attracts wealth, prosperity, and fosters healthy relationships.
16. Keep the Plant in Partial Shade
Avoid exposing your money plant to direct sunlight. Areas with partial shades are the best.
17. Mist it Every Few Days
Misting should be done every two to three days if the humidity in your area is too low or the plant is in a place which is air-conditioned.
18. Check the Water
If you've made sure everything's alright and you water the plant regularly but the leaves are still turning yellow, then it could be the water that's the problem. Water your plant with filtered water and try to avoid using fluoridated or chlorinated water. Overwatering is also known to lead to the yellowing of leaves.
To ensure that your money plant helps improve your financial health, follow the above tips and do let us know how they work out for you. Remember to give it plenty of time to take effect!
Also Read:
Effective Vastu Tips for Home You Should KnowWorking Tips to Have a Vastu-Compliant KitchenVastu for Money: How to Attract Wealth and Prosperity
Read more
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Giving Jaggery (Gur) to Babies
Jaggery, called gur in Hindi, is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or a date palm sap. It is made by boiling the sugarcane juice or date palm sap until it becomes a thick syrup, and then cooling it until it solidifies. It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes in several South-Asian countries, including India. Jaggery is used in India as a sweetener in baby food. This article explains in detail the benefits and risks of feeding your baby jaggery.
Can You Add Jaggery to Baby Food?
You must be wondering if jaggery is good for babies or not. The answer is yes, but it must be used with caution. In rural India, doctors may recommend the inclusion of jaggery in food for babies less than a year old to combat anaemia, as jaggery is a good source of iron. Thus, including jaggery in your baby’s diet depends on feeding methods, lifestyle, and individual preferences.
When Can You Introduce Jaggery to a Baby?
Jaggery should be introduced to a baby’s diet only after the age of one year. However, this may vary based on the baby’s health and your doctor’s advice. Paediatricians recommend that babies should not be given any form of sugar until they turn one. For babies less than a year old, it is better to use various kinds of fruit purees to sweeten the food.
Amazing Health Benefits of Jaggery for Infants
Jaggery has several health benefits for babies - however, it is not recommended for babies less than a year old. Babies older than one year can be given jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery are:
1. Prevents Anaemia
Jaggery is a good source of iron. 10g of jaggery contains 0.3mg of iron, which is 3% or the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Including jaggery in your baby’s diet can prevent anaemia, which is caused due to iron deficiency in the blood.
2. Strengthens Bones
Jaggery contains phosphorous and calcium, which are minerals essential for the development of strong, healthy bones. Hence, consuming jaggery can help strengthen your baby’s bones.
3. Detoxifies the Liver
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that can help flush out toxins from the body. It cleanses and detoxifies the liver.
4. Increases Immunity
Jaggery is rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins B4, B5, B6, and choline. All of these together help in increasing your baby’s immunity.
5. Treats Symptoms of Flu, Cough, and Cold
Jaggery has traditionally been used as a home remedy to treat symptoms of cold, cough and flu in India. Warm water mixed with a bit of jaggery is given to babies suffering from cold, cough, or flu. This gives the baby an immediate relief. Jaggery has the ability to cool the body down. Having warm water with jaggery brings down body temperature when your baby has the flu.
6. Prevents Constipation
Jaggery stimulates regular bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. It also aids in digestion by activating digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine.
7. Eliminates Stomach Problems and Worms
Jaggery cools the body down and soothes stomach aches. Jaggery also provides relief from worms and prickly heat rashes.
8. Provides Instant Energy
As it is 97% sugar and is made of complex carbohydrates, jaggery takes more time to get absorbed by the body. It provides your baby with greater energy for a longer duration.
9. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure
The mineral content in jaggery helps in regulating blood pressure and keeping blood pressure steady.
10. Good for Intestinal Health
The magnesium in jaggery promotes good intestinal health and aids digestion. 10g of jaggery contains nearly 4% of the daily RDA of magnesium.
Risks of Giving Jaggery to Babies
Jaggery contains about 97% sugar. Therefore, excessive use can be harmful to your baby. The risks of giving jaggery to babies are:
1. Too Many Calories
Jaggery contains about 38 calories per 10 g. As a result, excessive consumption of jaggery can result in the baby getting too many calories, causing an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes later in life.
2. Sugar Addiction
Jaggery can cause babies to become addicted to sugary foods later, leading to diabetes.
3. Unfavourable Reactions
Some babies may have unfavourable reactions to jaggery, such as rashes or stomach problems.
4. Cavities
Excessive consumption of jaggery can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth.
5. Obesity and Diabetes
Too much jaggery can cause obesity and diabetes in babies when they grow up.
Healthy Jaggery Recipes for Babies
Here are some healthy jaggery recipes for babies:
1. Sooji Halwa
Sooji or semolina is used to make a sweet dish along with jaggery.
Ingredients:
Sooji or semolina, jaggery, water, and cardamom powder.
How to Make:
Boil water with some jaggery in it. Roast the sooji in a pan until golden brown. Add it to the boiling jaggery water, stirring continuously until it thickens into a porridge-like solid form. Next, add cardamom powder. Stir well and your sooji halwa is ready.
2. Jaggery Syrup:
Jaggery syrup recipe for babies is simple and easy to make. It can be stored for up to 2 months in the refrigerator and used to sweeten the baby’s porridge.
Ingredients:
Jaggery and water.
How to Make:
Melt some jaggery with one tablespoon of water in a pan on a low flame. Sieve this into another pan and discard the lumps. Add 1 cup water to this, and bring it to a boil. Keep it on the heat for another couple of minutes, and allow it to cool. After cooling, it should look like a thick, golden brown syrup. Store this syrup in a refrigerator and use for sweetening the baby’s porridge.
Jaggery has many health benefits for babies, but it is best to check with your paediatrician before including it in your baby’s diet. Giving your baby jaggery also has some risks, so it is usually not recommended for babies less than a year old. You can sweeten infant food using fruit purees like mashed banana, pureed dates, or applesauce.
Also Read: Salt and Sugar for Babies - Reasons to Avoid Them Read more
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
5 hours ago
Q. I got chicken pox in my 8th week..it's just started how I can deal with it?
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Chicken pox during pregnancy is a matter of concern. Consult your doctor for personal evaluation and seek medical advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and follow your doctor’s advice. Good luck and take care
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. is sesame seeds healthy in 37th week of pregnancy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. yes you can have but limited .
During pregnancy it is always advisable to have your normal routine foods and include more of sprouted grains along with green leafy vegetables and adequate water intake which helps maintain good health
Do have regular daily walking
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. anytime after full term ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
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