The Essential Guide to Childhood Immunization Schedule in the Philippines

Ensuring that your child receives timely vaccinations is crucial for their health and the well-being of the community. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) has released the 2024 immunization schedule to guide parents on the necessary vaccines at various stages of childhood. Below, we outline the recommended vaccines and the ages at which they should be administered.

Birth to 1 Month

1. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) Vaccine

   - Age: At birth

   - Purpose: Protects against tuberculosis.

2. Hepatitis B Vaccine

   - Age: Within 24 hours of birth

   - Purpose: Prevents Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.

2 Months

1. Pentavalent Vaccine (DTP-HepB-Hib)

   - Purpose: Combines protection against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

   - Purpose: Protects against poliomyelitis.

3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

   - Purpose: Prevents pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

4. Rotavirus Vaccine

   - Purpose: Prevents rotavirus infections, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

4 Months

1. Pentavalent Vaccine (DTP-HepB-Hib)

2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

4. Rotavirus Vaccine

6 Months

1. Pentavalent Vaccine (DTP-HepB-Hib)

2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

4. Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)

   - Purpose: Additional protection against poliomyelitis.

9 Months

1. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

   - Purpose: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

12 Months

1. Hepatitis A Vaccine

   - Purpose: Prevents Hepatitis A, a liver infection.

2. Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

   - Purpose: Protects against chickenpox.

3. Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (for regions at risk)

   - Purpose: Protects against Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne viral infection.

15 Months

1. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (Second dose)

2. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) (Booster dose)

18 Months

1. Pentavalent Vaccine (DTP-HepB-Hib) (Booster dose)

2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) (Booster dose)

3. Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) (Booster dose)

4-6 Years

1. DTP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) Booster

   - Purpose: Continued protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

2. MMR Vaccine (Second dose)

3. Varicella Vaccine (Second dose)

4. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) (Booster dose)

10-12 Years

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

   - Purpose: Protects against HPV, which can cause cervical cancer and other diseases.

Special Considerations

- Influenza Vaccine: Annual vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 months and older, especially those with chronic health conditions.

- COVID-19 Vaccine: Follow the latest guidelines from health authorities regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for children.

Final Note

Keeping up with the immunization schedule is a vital part of ensuring your child's health. The 2024 PIDSP schedule provides a comprehensive roadmap for protecting children from various infectious diseases. Consult your pediatrician to stay on track with these vaccinations and address any concerns you may have about your child's immunization.