Vaccination Schedule for Children
A comprehensive guide for parents of children with kidney conditions
Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Children
Vaccinations are crucial for all children, especially those with kidney conditions. Children with kidney disease may have weaker immune systems and need extra protection against preventable diseases.
Important Note for Children with Kidney Disease
Children with kidney conditions may need:
- Some vaccines at different ages than standard schedule
- Higher doses of certain vaccines
- Additional vaccines (like pneumonia and hepatitis B)
- Avoidance of live vaccines if severely immunosuppressed
Always consult with Dr. Hashim Raza Bukhari before vaccinations.
Standard Childhood Vaccination Schedule (Pakistan)
The following is the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule recommended by the Government of Pakistan:
| Age | Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG OPV (0) |
Tuberculosis Polio |
| 6 Weeks | OPV (1) Pentavalent (1) PCV (1) Rotavirus (1) |
Polio Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, Hepatitis B Pneumococcal diseases Rotavirus diarrhea |
| 10 Weeks | OPV (2) Pentavalent (2) PCV (2) Rotavirus (2) |
Polio Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, Hepatitis B Pneumococcal diseases Rotavirus diarrhea |
| 14 Weeks | OPV (3) Pentavalent (3) PCV (3) IPV |
Polio Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, Hepatitis B Pneumococcal diseases Inactivated Polio |
| 9 Months | Measles (1) Typhoid |
Measles Typhoid fever |
| 15 Months | Measles (2) PCV Booster |
Measles Pneumococcal diseases |
| 2 Years | Typhoid Booster | Typhoid fever |
Additional Vaccines for Children with Kidney Conditions
Children with kidney disease are at higher risk of hepatitis B infection, especially if they may need dialysis or transplant in the future.
- Schedule: Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months
- For unvaccinated older children: Catch-up schedule available
- Special note: Children on dialysis may need higher doses and annual antibody checks
Annual flu vaccine is strongly recommended for all children with kidney conditions.
- When: Every year before flu season (typically September-October)
- Age: All children 6 months and older
- Type: Inactivated (injectable) vaccine – avoid live nasal spray
Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
- PCV13: Given at 6, 10, 14 weeks and booster at 15 months
- PPSV23: Additional vaccine for high-risk children after age 2
Chickenpox can be severe in children with kidney disease.
- Schedule: First dose at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years
- Note: Live vaccine – not for severely immunosuppressed children
- Schedule: First dose at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years
- Note: Live vaccine – not for severely immunosuppressed children
Recommended for children with kidney conditions as they are at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
- Available for children 5 years and older (age guidelines may vary)
- Consult with Dr. Hashim Raza Bukhari about timing and type
Vaccines for Children Awaiting Transplant
If your child is being evaluated for kidney transplant, it's especially important to complete all vaccines before transplantation. After transplant, children take immunosuppressive medications that make live vaccines unsafe and reduce effectiveness of other vaccines.
Work with Dr. Hashim Raza Bukhari to ensure your child is fully vaccinated before transplant.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary:
- Soreness at injection site
- Mild fever
- Fussiness or sleepiness
Serious side effects are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, especially for children with kidney conditions.