Child Immunization (EPI) &
Community Health Advisories.
Protecting our next generation through timely routine immunizations and providing evidence-based healthcare guidance for Karachi's prevalent seasonal epidemics — Dengue, Typhoid, Heatstroke, and Waterborne illnesses.
National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Schedule
Pakistan's national guideline ensures vital protection against 12 life-threatening childhood illnesses: Childhood TB, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hib Meningitis, Pneumonia, Rotavirus Diarrhea, Typhoid, and Measles/Rubella.
| Child Age / عمر | Vaccine Name / ٹیکے کا نام | Target Disease / تحفظ فراہم کرے | Awadh Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| At Birth / پیدائش پر | BCG + OPV-0 + Hep-B (Single injection + 2 oral drops) | Childhood Tuberculosis (ٹی بی), Polio (پولیو), Hepatitis B (یرقان) | Free under EPI |
| 6 Weeks / 6 ہفتے | Pentavalent-1 + OPV-1 + PCV-1 + Rota-1 (2 Injections + 2 Oral Drops) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hep B, Hib Pneumonia/Meningitis, Polio, Pneumococcal Diarrhea & Rotavirus | Free under EPI |
| 10 Weeks / 10 ہفتے | Pentavalent-2 + OPV-2 + PCV-2 + Rota-2 (Second Booster Doses) | Continued immunity boost against DTP, Hepatitis B, Hib, Pneumonia & severe viral diarrhea | Free under EPI |
| 14 Weeks / 14 ہفتے | Pentavalent-3 + OPV-3 + PCV-3 + IPV-1 (Inactivated Polio Vaccine injection added) | Complete primary course against DTP, Hepatitis B, Hib, severe pneumonia & double polio coverage | Free under EPI |
| 9 Months / 9 ماہ | Typhoid (TCV) + Measles-Rubella 1 (MR-1) (Typhoid conjugate vaccine + MR) | Protection against XDR Typhoid fever (ٹائیفائیڈ بخار) and Measles/Khasra (خسرہ و روبیلا) | Free under EPI |
| 15 Months / 15 ماہ | Measles-Rubella 2 (MR-2) (Second booster dose) | Long-term lifelong immunity against Measles and congenital Rubella syndromes | Free under EPI |
Seasonal Epidemic Management & First-Aid Protocols
Karachi experiences recurring seasonal surges of vector-borne and waterborne infections. Learn critical symptoms, red flags, and immediate medical actions.
Dengue & Platelet Management (ڈینگی بخار)
Transmitted by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes. Characterized by sudden high-grade fever, severe eye-socket pain, body aches ("break-bone fever"), and rapid drop in blood platelets.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate ER:
- Persistent abdominal pain or severe vomiting
- Bleeding from gums, nose, or blood in stool
- Extreme fatigue, restlessness, or sudden cold clammy skin
- Platelet count dropping rapidly below 50,000 / µL
XDR Typhoid & Gastroenteritis (ٹائیفائیڈ و پیٹ کی بیماریاں)
Karachi is an epicenter for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Typhoid. Caused by contaminated drinking water and street food. Resistant to conventional 1st and 2nd line antibiotics.
Prevention & Clinical Diagnostics:
- Always boil municipal tap water for at least 3-5 minutes before drinking
- Get children aged 9 months to 15 years vaccinated with TCV
- Blood Culture BACTEC is the gold standard diagnostic at Awadh Lab
- Avoid unauthorized over-the-counter antibiotics to stop super-resistance
Heatwave, Heat Exhaustion & Heatstroke (لو لگنا)
High ambient heat combined with coastal Karachi humidity restricts bodily sweat evaporation, causing body core temperature to surge rapidly above 104°F (40°C). A true medical emergency.
Immediate First-Aid Action:
- Move victim immediately into shade or an air-conditioned room
- Apply ice packs or cold damp clothes to neck, armpits, and groin
- Fan vigorously while spraying with cool water
- Transport urgently to Awadh 24/7 Emergency if patient is disoriented or unconscious
Infant Diarrhea & ORS Zinc Management (اسہال و قے)
Severe acute watery diarrhea in infants and toddlers causes catastrophic fluid and electrolyte depletion within hours. Timely home rehydration saves young lives.
Gold Standard Home Management:
- Continue frequent breastfeeding alongside oral rehydration
- Give Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution after every loose stool
- Administer Zinc sulfate syrup daily for 14 days as prescribed
- Watch for sunken eyes, skin pinch delay, or dry tongue
Free Medical Camps & School Health Screenings
Awadh General Hospital regularly conducts free diabetes, hypertension, and pediatric growth screening camps across Landhi Town, Korangi Industrial Area, and Sherpao Colony. Reach out to arrange a community camp for your neighborhood or organization.