Immunization forms one of the most important and cost effective strategies for the prevention of childhood sicknesses and disabilities and is thus a basic need for all children. The following schedule has been recommended by the Ministry of Health, Govt. of India and is one of the most widely followed by the child health care providers. NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE BENEFICIARY AGE VACCINE Infants: At birth- BCG* and OPV** 6 weeks - DPT&OPV 10weeks - DPT&OPV 14 weeks - DPT&OPV 9 months - Measles vaccine 18 months - DPT&OPV (Booster dose) Children: 5 years - DT vaccine 10years - Tetanus toxoid 16years - Tetanus toxoid *At birth or at the time of DPT/OPV ; ** dose called as Zero dose and can be given till 14 days of age ,if missed early. ABBREVIATIONS: BCG=Bacillus calmittee Guerin; DPT=Diphtheria,Pertussis & Tetanus; OPV =Oral Polio Vaccine; DT=Diph & Tetanus vaccine.