"Everything You Need to Know About Catch-Up Vaccinations"

Vaccinations are an essential aspect of maintaining our health and preventing the spread of preventable diseases. However, there are times when people miss or delay their vaccinations, which can put them at risk of contracting serious infections. In such cases, catch-up vaccinations are recommended. In this blog, we'll discuss everything you need to know about catch-up vaccinations, including why they are necessary, who needs them, and what to expect during the catch-up process.

What are catch-up vaccinations?

Catch-up vaccinations are vaccinations that are given to individuals who missed or did not complete their recommended vaccine schedule. They are necessary to ensure that individuals are protected against preventable diseases, as some diseases may require multiple doses of the vaccine to be effective.

CATCH UP VACCINATION WITH EXAMPLES AND DIFFERENT SCENERIOS

1. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine: The BCG vaccine is given to newborns to protect against tuberculosis (TB). If a child misses the BCG vaccine at birth, it can be given up to 5 years of age.

2. Hepatitis B vaccine: Hepatitis B vaccine is given to newborns to protect against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. If a child misses the vaccine at birth, the catch-up schedule is as follows:

   • 1 dose at any age between 6 weeks to 12 months

   • 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose

   • 3rd dose at least 8 weeks after the 2nd dose and at least 16 weeks after the 1st dose

3. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine: DTaP vaccine is given to children to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows:

   • Children under 7 years: 4 doses at least 4 weeks apart

   • Children 7-10 years: 3 doses at least 4 weeks apart

   • Children over 10 years: 3 doses at least 4-8 weeks apart

4. Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV): IPV is given to children to protect against polio. If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows:

   • 1st dose at any age

   • 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose

   • 3rd dose at least 6 months after the 2nd dose

5. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine: MMR vaccine is given to children to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows:

   • 1st dose at any age between 6-11 months if at high risk or 12-23 months if not at high risk

   • 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose and at least 4 weeks before school entry (i.e., 4-6 years of age)

6. Hepatitis A vaccine: Hepatitis A vaccine is given to children to protect against hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows: 2 doses at least 6 months apart starting at age 1 year

7. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: HPV vaccine is given to adolescents to protect against HPV infection, which can lead to cervical cancer. If an adolescent misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows:

   • Females aged 9-14 years: 2 doses at least 6 months apart

   • Females aged 15-26 years: 3 doses at 0, 1-2, and 6 months apart

   • Males aged 9-26 years: 3 doses at 0, 1-2, and 6 months apart

8. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): PCV vaccine is given to children to protect against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows:

   • Children under 5 years: 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart

   • Children over 5 years: 1 dose

9. Rotavirus vaccine: Rotavirus vaccine is given to infants to protect against severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus. If an infant misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is not recommended as the vaccine is only given up to 8 months of age.

10. Typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV): TCV vaccine is given to children to protect against typhoid fever, which is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows: Children aged 2-15 years: 1 dose

11. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: Varicella vaccine is given to children to protect against chickenpox, a viral infection that causes itchy blisters. If a child misses the vaccine in childhood, the catch-up schedule is as follows: 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart starting at age 1 year if not previously vaccinated

12. Influenza vaccine: Influenza vaccine is given to individuals annually to protect against seasonal flu. If an individual misses the vaccine, they can receive it at any time during the flu season.

Why are catch-up vaccinations necessary?

Catch-up vaccinations are necessary to ensure that individuals are fully protected against preventable diseases. Vaccinations help to protect individuals from infections by triggering their immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases. Some vaccines require multiple doses to achieve maximum protection, and missing doses can compromise the effectiveness of the vaccine. Catch-up vaccinations can help individuals get back on track with their vaccine schedule and ensure that they are protected against preventable diseases.

Who needs catch-up vaccinations?

Catch-up vaccinations are recommended for individuals who missed or did not complete their recommended vaccine schedule. This may include:

• Infants and young children who missed their recommended vaccine doses

• Adolescents and adults who did not receive their recommended vaccines during childhood

• Individuals who missed their annual influenza vaccine

• Travelers who need specific vaccinations before traveling to certain areas

• People with certain medical conditions that require specific vaccinations

What to expect during the catch-up process?

The catch-up process may vary depending on the individual's age, health status, and vaccine history. In general, the catch-up process involves reviewing the individual's vaccine history and determining which vaccines they need to complete their vaccine schedule. The healthcare provider will then administer the necessary vaccines based on the recommended vaccine schedule.

It is important to note that some vaccines may require multiple doses over a certain period, so it may take several visits to complete the catch-up process. The healthcare provider may also recommend certain precautions or measures to minimize any potential side effects associated with the vaccines.

Conclusion

Catch-up vaccinations are necessary to ensure that individuals are fully protected against preventable diseases. Missing vaccine doses can compromise the effectiveness of the vaccine, and catch-up vaccinations can help individuals get back on track with their vaccine schedule. If you have missed any of your recommended vaccine doses, talk to your healthcare provider about catch-up vaccinations to protect your health and prevent the spread of preventable diseases.