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Pediatrics & Child Health

Routine Childhood Immunization Schedule (Uganda)

Summary of the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization (UNEPI) schedule for routine childhood vaccinations.

Also known as: UNEPI Schedule, Vaccination Schedule

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Referral and warning signs

When to refer

Refer children with severe AEFI. Refer children with contraindications (e.g., severe immunosuppression for live vaccines like BCG, MMR, YF, OPV).

Red flags

  • Severe AEFI (anaphylaxis, seizure, encephalopathy).
  • Known severe immunodeficiency (contraindication to live vaccines).

Signs and symptoms

  • Not applicable - This outlines a schedule.

Risk factors

  • Not applicable.

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment

Determine needed vaccines based on child's age and documented vaccination history (Child Health Card).

Investigations

  • Review Child Health Card.

Diagnostic criteria

Alignment with the national schedule.

Management

Non-pharmacological management

  • Adhere to cold chain requirements (+2°C to +8°C).
  • Use correct diluent from same manufacturer.
  • Follow safe injection practices (correct site, route, needle).
  • Record doses given accurately.
  • Adhere to Multi-Dose Vial Policy (MDVP).

Pharmacological treatment

  • Vaccine Schedule:
  • - At Birth (or first contact): BCG (0.05ml <11m, 0.1ml >11m ID R Upper Arm), OPV-0 (2 drops PO), HepB-Birth (0.5ml IM L Thigh).
  • - 6 Weeks: OPV-1 (2 drops PO), DPT-HepB-Hib-1 (0.5ml IM L Thigh), PCV-1 (0.5ml IM R Thigh), Rota-1 (2 drops PO), IPV-1 (0.5ml IM R Thigh, 2.5cm from PCV site).
  • - 10 Weeks: OPV-2 (2 drops PO), DPT-HepB-Hib-2 (0.5ml IM L Thigh), PCV-2 (0.5ml IM R Thigh), Rota-2 (2 drops PO).
  • - 14 Weeks: OPV-3 (2 drops PO), DPT-HepB-Hib-3 (0.5ml IM L Thigh), PCV-3 (0.5ml IM R Thigh), IPV-2 (0.5ml IM R Thigh, 2.5cm from PCV site).
  • - 9 Months: Measles-Rubella-1 (MR1) (0.5ml SC L Upper Arm), Yellow Fever (0.5ml SC R Upper Arm).
  • - 18 Months: Measles-Rubella-2 (MR2) (0.5ml SC L Upper Arm).
  • - 10 Years (Girls): HPV (2 doses, 0.5ml IM L Upper Arm, 6 months apart).
  • Catch-up: Give missed doses at any subsequent contact according to eligibility and minimum intervals (usually 4 weeks).

Monitoring

Track completion through Child Health Card and facility registers.

Complications

  • Vaccine Preventable Diseases if schedule not completed.
  • Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) - usually mild, rarely severe (See AEFI Management).

Prevention

  • Adherence to the schedule.

Patient education

  • Importance of completing the full schedule.
  • Which vaccines are given at each age.
  • Potential mild side effects and how to manage.
  • When to return for next doses.
  • Keeping the card safe.

Uganda-specific notes

Schedule includes BCG, Polio (OPV/IPV), Pentavalent (DPT-HepB-Hib), PCV, Rotavirus, MR, Yellow Fever, HPV (girls). Adherence to MDVP crucial. HepB birth dose within 24h ideal, up to 7 days.

References

  • Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG) 2023

    Chapter 18, Section 18.1.1 (National Immunization Schedule Table)

  • National Immunization Schedule, UNEPI/MOH Uganda

    (Official UNEPI schedule document)

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