Booster Shots at School Age Key to Sustaining Immunity
30 July 2025 5:58 PM IST30 July 2025 5:58 PM IST
The immunity provided by the initial vaccination series, while robust in the early years, declines over time
Dr Babu S Madarkar, Clinical Director, Chief Neonatologist, KIMS Cuddles, Hyderabad (Photo by arrangement)
Hyderabad: India's childhood immunization coverage has seen considerable success in recent years, with high uptake of vaccines during infancy. However, public health experts warn that a critical window in the vaccine schedule often goes unnoticed, the booster dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP), and Polio recommended at 4–6 years, the school entry phase.
The immunity provided by the initial vaccination series, while robust in the early years, declines over time. Studies indicate that by the time a child begins school, their antibody levels against these diseases have diminished significantly. This leaves them more susceptible to infection, particularly in group settings like classrooms.
Dr Babu S Madarkar, Clinical Director, Chief Neonatologist, KIMS Cuddles, Hyderabad explains, "The 4-6 year age group is a scientifically identified period when the protection from early childhood vaccines starts to wear off. Administering the DTP and polio booster at this stage is essential to rebuild immunity as children begin regular interaction with peers in school environments. Modern combination vaccines make this convenient by offering protection against multiple diseases in a single shot."
The Indian National Immunization Program (NIP) recommends a DTP vaccination at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, followed by a booster at 16–24 months, and 2 fractional doses of polio at 6 and 14 weeks of age. Despite this structured schedule, the recommended booster between the ages of 4 and 6 is frequently missed. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) continues to endorse its inclusion as a public health priority.
“The school-entry booster acts as a crucial extension of the early vaccine series. It both protects individual children and also helps prevent the re-emergence of diseases like polio and pertussis, especially in high-contact environments like classrooms. These vaccines have a well-established safety profile and are critical to protecting the next generation.” adds Dr Babu S Madarkar.
As more people learn about the importance of vaccines, many schools are helping by asking for updated health and vaccination records. Vaccination isn’t just a one-time task—it’s something we need to keep up with to stay healthy. Make sure your child is fully protected before starting school. It’s one of the best ways to keep them safe and build a healthier future for everyone.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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