Vaccinations are the most effective medical intervention in history. This guide covers the standard African childhood vaccination schedule and what to do after vaccinations.
AT BIRTH: BCG (tuberculosis) — one injection in the left upper arm. Hepatitis B first dose. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) first dose.
AT 6 WEEKS: DPT-HepB-Hib (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, Hib) first dose. Oral polio second dose. Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) first dose. Rotavirus vaccine first dose.
AT 10 WEEKS: DPT-HepB-Hib second dose. Oral polio third dose. PCV second dose. Rotavirus second dose.
AT 14 WEEKS: DPT-HepB-Hib third dose. Oral polio fourth dose. PCV third dose. IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) first dose.
AT 9 MONTHS: Measles-rubella vaccine first dose. Yellow fever vaccine (in endemic areas). Meningococcal vaccine where available.
AT 15 TO 18 MONTHS: Measles-rubella second dose.
After vaccination: a small lump at the BCG injection site is normal and expected — it will form a small scar. Mild fever and soreness at injection sites in the first 24 to 48 hours is normal. Give paracetamol for fever.
Bring the vaccination card to every health visit. Keep it safe — it is a permanent record.
A missed vaccination does not mean starting over — continue from where you left off.
High fever above 39°C more than 48 hours after vaccination.
Seizure occurring within 24 hours of vaccination.
Excessive crying lasting more than 3 hours after vaccination.
Large swelling beyond the injection site spreading up the limb.
Child is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake after vaccination.
Never skip vaccinations because a child has a mild cold or mild fever — mild illness is not a reason to postpone.
Vaccinations cannot cause the diseases they prevent.
A vaccination card is a critical document — keep it waterproof and safe.
If a child misses a vaccine, see a health worker to catch up — it is never too late.
✓ What Helps
· Paracetamol syrup dosed by weight for fever after vaccination
· Cool compress on injection site for soreness
✗ What To Avoid
· Aspirin in children under 16
· Skipping vaccines based on myths about side effects
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· All childhood vaccines are free at government health centres in most African countries
· Catch-up vaccination schedule if doses have been missed
🏥 Get Professional Help
Go to the clinic for any high fever, seizure, or unusual drowsiness after vaccination. For vaccination questions and missed doses, visit your nearest government health centre — all childhood vaccinations are free.
Can vaccines cause the diseases they protect against?
No. Vaccines use killed, weakened, or partial versions of pathogens that cannot cause the disease. The mild fever after vaccination is a normal immune response, not the disease.
My child missed some vaccines — is it too late?
No. Go to the nearest health centre and explain which vaccines were missed. A catch-up schedule will be given. It is never too late to vaccinate.
My child has a cold — should I postpone the vaccine?
A mild cold is not a reason to delay. Postpone only if the child has a high fever above 38.5°C or is seriously unwell.