Immunization Schedule for Ghana

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Ghana provides a schedule for vaccinations that protect children against various infectious diseases. This schedule is designed to ensure that children receive vaccinations at the appropriate ages for optimal protection. Below is the recommended immunization schedule as per the Ghana Health Service:

#### At Birth
- *BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin):* Protects against tuberculosis.
- *OPV 0 (Oral Polio Vaccine, dose 0):* First dose of the polio vaccine.
- *Hepatitis B (birth dose):* First dose to protect against hepatitis B.

#### 6 Weeks
- *Pentavalent 1:* (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- *OPV 1:* Second dose of the polio vaccine.
- *Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) 1:* Protects against pneumococcal diseases.
- *Rotavirus 1:* Protects against rotavirus infections.

#### 10 Weeks
- *Pentavalent 2:* Second dose of the pentavalent vaccine.
- *OPV 2:* Third dose of the polio vaccine.
- *Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) 2:* Second dose of the pneumococcal vaccine.
- *Rotavirus 2:* Second dose of the rotavirus vaccine.

#### 14 Weeks
- *Pentavalent 3:* Third dose of the pentavalent vaccine.
- *OPV 3:* Fourth dose of the polio vaccine.
- *Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) 3:* Third dose of the pneumococcal vaccine.
- *IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine):* Provides additional protection against polio.

#### 6 Months
- *Vitamin A Supplementation:* To improve immune function and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases.

#### 9 Months
- *Measles-Rubella (MR) 1:* Protects against measles and rubella.
- *Yellow Fever:* Protects against yellow fever.
- *Vitamin A Supplementation:* Second dose.

#### 12 Months
- *Vitamin A Supplementation:* Third dose.

#### 18 Months
- *Measles-Rubella (MR) 2:* Second dose to ensure continued protection against measles and rubella.
- *OPV Booster:* To ensure continued protection against polio.

#### Every 6 Months (From 24 months to 5 years)
- *Vitamin A Supplementation:* Ongoing doses to support immune health.

### Additional Notes:
- *Td Vaccine (Tetanus and Diphtheria) for Adolescents and Adults:* Administered every 10 years to maintain immunity.
- *HPV Vaccine for Adolescents:* Protects against human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer. Typically administered to girls aged 9-14 years.

This schedule ensures comprehensive coverage against preventable diseases and is subject to updates based on national health guidelines. Parents and caregivers should follow this schedule and consult healthcare providers for any specific recommendations or catch-up vaccinations if needed. Regular updates and detailed schedules can be accessed through the Ghana Health Service or local health clinics.