Vaccines have changed the world for the better, protecting millions of children from deadly diseases. In Bangladesh, the success of childhood immunisation is a proud achievement that continues to save lives every day.

Dr ASM Mahamuduzzanan, Assistant Professor at the Department of Pediatrics of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, highlights how widespread vaccination has transformed public health. “Now, vaccination coverage is so huge in Bangladesh that hardly anyone is at risk of vaccine preventable illnesses. Most kids are vaccinated now, very few are not and there should be even fewer,” he says.

From the moment a child is born, vaccines play a vital role. The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Bangladesh ensures that every newborn receives the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis and the first oral polio vaccine (OPV) dose. These early vaccines are the first step in building long-term protection.

At six weeks of age, infants are given the pentavalent vaccine, protecting them against five dangerous diseases — diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) follows soon after at 10 and 14 weeks, shielding children from serious pneumonia infections.

Strengthening a child’s immune system doesn’t stop there. The measles and rubella (MR) vaccine at nine months is a critical milestone, protecting against two highly infectious diseases. A second dose at 15 months ensures even stronger, longer-lasting immunity. Meanwhile, vaccines like DPT and Td booster shots between one and five years further defend against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. 

Timely vaccination is crucial. Dr Mahamuduzzanan reminds us that “with timely vaccination, polio and smallpox are already essentially eliminated. The incidence of diphtheria, measles, and tuberculosis with severe symptoms has declined.” 

Vaccination not only protects individual children but strengthens entire communities through herd immunity, helping to shield those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. 

Bangladesh’s immunisation success story stands tall — but the mission is not over. The Country Learning Hub (CLH) for Immunisation Equity continues to work towards ensuring that no child is left behind, especially reaching zero-dose (ZD) and under-immunised (UI) children. 

The reward for these efforts is clear — a generation free from the fear of vaccine-preventable diseases. Every child deserves this protection. On-time vaccination is not just a personal responsibility, but a gift of health for the future of Bangladesh. 

Reference:

Purna AT. Keeping up with your vaccines [Internet]. The Daily Star. 2025 [cited 2025 Apr 26]. Available from: https://www.thedailystar.net/star-youth/news/keeping-your-vaccines-3842406