Immunisation is an essential part of keeping children healthy and protecting them from deadly diseases. Bangladesh has made significant progress in expanding its vaccination program in recent years, with almost 97.4% of children under the age of one being immunised [2]. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about vaccinations in remote areas, resulting in a small percentage of the population not being covered by the program [1]. This article aims to highlight the importance of following the vaccination schedule and creating awareness among people about the available vaccinations.

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) currently provides vaccinations for 10 deadly diseases, including diphtheria, whooping cough, tuberculosis, polio, measles, rubella, Haemophilus, influenza-B, hepatitis B and pneumonia [1]. These vaccines are administered in schools, routine immunisation centres, and permanent immunisation centres. It is essential to get the vaccination at the right time to prevent children from getting affected by these diseases.

The vaccination schedule for children is critical to ensure proper immunisation. The BCG vaccine should be given immediately after birth, and three doses of pentavalent, PCV, and OPV vaccines should be administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age [3]. The first dose of measles and rubella vaccines should be given at nine months, followed by the second dose at 15 months [4]. Children need to visit the vaccination centre at least five times from birth to 15 months of age.

In addition to these vaccinations, the EPI Programme in Bangladesh also recommended that the children receive the 3 doses of the Tetanus vaccine. The Tetanus vaccine is a crucial part of the EPI schedule and is given to infants in the 6th, 10th, and 14th week of their life to protect them from serious illnesses that can cause convulsions and severe muscle spasms [5]. 

It is crucial to follow the vaccination schedule to ensure maximum protection against diseases. The vaccines need to be given at specific ages to ensure proper immunity. The government and private organisations must create awareness among people, especially in remote areas, about the available vaccinations and their importance. 

1. চৌধুরীসানজানা. বাংলাদেশে টিকার চিত্র, যেসব জরুরি টিকা আলোচনার বাইরে. BBC [Internet]. 2023 Jan 7 [cited 2023 Apr 15]; Available from: https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/cle8d99j5xyo 
2. World Health Organization • Regional Office for South-East Asia. (‎2020)‎. Bangladesh factsheet 2020: expanded programme on Immunization (‎EPI)‎ • [Internet]. Who.int. 2020 [cited 2023 Apr 15]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/336754/ban-epi-factsheet-2020-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 
3. Recommended vaccines by age [Internet]. Cdc.gov. 2022 [cited 2023 Apr 15]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vaccines-age.html 
4. Haemophilus H. 2023 recommended immunizations for children from birth through 6 years old [Internet]. Cdc.gov. [cited 2023 Apr 15]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf
5. EPI vaccinations [Internet]. Icddrb.org. [cited 2023 Apr 18]. Available from: https://www.icddrb.org/services/epi-vaccinations