Community Health Volunteer's Training Manual - Population Council

Reproductive and Child Health
2. Polio (infantile paralysis) vaccine. The child needs drops in the mouth once each
month for 3 months. These are usually given with the Penta vaccine injection. It is best
not to breast feed the baby for 2 hours before or after giving the drops. This enhances
absorption of the vaccine.
3. B.C.G. vaccine for Tuberculosis. A single injection is given into the skin of the right
shoulder. Children can be vaccinated at birth or anytime afterwards. Early vaccination
is especially important if any member of the household has tuberculosis. The vaccine
makes a sore and leaves a scar.
4. Measles vaccine. One injection only, given to children between 9 and 15 months,
depending on the country.
5. Tetanus vaccine. For adults and children over 12 years old, the most important
vaccine is for tetanus (lockjaw). Everyone should be vaccinated against tetanus –
especially pregnant women, so that their babies will be protected against tetanus.
Children should be vaccinated on time. Be sure they get the complete series of
each vaccine they need.
The Child Welfare Clinic is where all the above services for children take place. Table 4.4.1
shows the EPI schedule in Ghana.
Table 4.4.1: EPI schedule in Ghana
VACCINE AGE AT
1 ST DOSE
NO. OF
DOSES
INTERVAL ROUTE OF
ADM.
BCG At birth 1 - Right
shoulder
PENTA ( DPT/
HIB/HEPATITIS)
POLIO At birth then at 6
weeks
TETANUS
Toxoid
From 6 weeks 3 4 week interval Thigh
12-49 years
Pregnant women
4 4 week interval Oral
5 1st dose – from age 12.
2nd dose – 4 wks after 1st dose
3rd dose – 6 months after
2nd dose
4th dose – one year after 3rd dose
5th dose – one year after 4th dose
Arm
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