Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. They help strengthen a child’s immune system and prevent infections that once caused widespread illness and death.
Following the recommended vaccination schedule ensures your child receives protection at the right age, giving them the best possible start in life.
In this guide, we’ll explain why childhood vaccinations are important, the recommended vaccination timeline, and how OCS Médecins supports parents in keeping their children healthy.
Why Are Childhood Vaccinations Important?
Vaccines work by helping the body’s immune system recognize and fight harmful viruses and bacteria before they cause serious illness.
Routine immunization protects children against diseases such as:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (German measles)
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal disease
- Rotavirus
Vaccination also helps protect the wider community by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Recommended Childhood Vaccination Schedule
Note: The exact vaccination schedule may vary slightly depending on the Mauritius Ministry of Health & Wellness National Immunisation Programme and your pediatrician’s recommendations. Always consult your healthcare provider for the latest schedule.
At Birth
Your newborn may receive:
- BCG (Tuberculosis)
- Hepatitis B (First Dose)
These vaccines provide early protection against serious infections.
At 2 Months
Your baby may receive:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis)
- Polio Vaccine
- Hib Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV)
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Hepatitis B (if applicable)
At 4 Months
The second doses of:
- DTaP
- Polio
- Hib
- Pneumococcal
- Rotavirus
These booster doses strengthen immunity.
At 6 Months
Your child may receive:
- Third dose of DTaP
- Polio Vaccine
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza vaccine (if recommended)
Around 12 Months
Vaccinations often include:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Booster Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Varicella (Chickenpox) (if recommended)
Between 15 and 18 Months
Children may receive booster doses of:
- DTaP
- Hib
- Polio (depending on the schedule)
Between 4 and 6 Years
Before starting school, booster vaccines are commonly recommended for:
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
These boosters help maintain long-term protection.
During Adolescence
Older children may receive vaccines such as:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Tetanus booster
- Meningococcal vaccine (when recommended)
Your healthcare provider will advise based on your child’s age and health needs.
Why Following the Vaccination Schedule Matters
Delaying or missing vaccines can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Staying on schedule helps:
- Build strong immunity early
- Reduce the risk of serious illness
- Prevent outbreaks in schools and communities
- Protect infants and vulnerable family members
If your child has missed a vaccine, consult your doctor about a catch-up vaccination schedule.
Common Side Effects After Vaccination
Most vaccines are safe and cause only mild, temporary side effects such as:
- Mild fever
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fussiness or irritability
- Sleepiness
- Reduced appetite
These symptoms usually resolve within a day or two.
Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, severe allergic reactions, or unusual symptoms after vaccination.
How OCS Médecins Can Help Parents
Parents often have questions about vaccinations, fever after immunization, or whether their child is healthy enough to receive a vaccine.
OCS Médecins offers convenient doctor-at-home consultations across Mauritius to support families by:
- Assessing your child’s health before vaccination
- Evaluating fever or mild reactions after vaccination
- Providing medical advice and reassurance
- Treating common childhood illnesses
- Advising parents on routine healthcare and follow-up
If your child develops a fever or feels unwell after vaccination, a home consultation can provide peace of mind without the stress of traveling to a clinic.
Common Side Effects After Vaccination
Most vaccines are safe and cause only mild, temporary side effects such as:
- Mild fever
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fussiness or irritability
- Sleepiness
- Reduced appetite
These symptoms usually resolve within a day or two.
Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, severe allergic reactions, or unusual symptoms after vaccination.
How OCS Médecins Can Help Parents
Parents often have questions about vaccinations, fever after immunization, or whether their child is healthy enough to receive a vaccine.
OCS Médecins offers convenient doctor-at-home consultations across Mauritius to support families by:
- Assessing your child’s health before vaccination
- Evaluating fever or mild reactions after vaccination
- Providing medical advice and reassurance
- Treating common childhood illnesses
- Advising parents on routine healthcare and follow-up
If your child develops a fever or feels unwell after vaccination, a home consultation can provide peace of mind without the stress of traveling to a clinic.
Healthcare Across Mauritius
OCS Médecins provides medical assistance through strategically located dispatch centres:
- Constance
- Quatre Bornes
- Grand Baie
This allows doctors to reach families efficiently across Mauritius.
Tips for Parents on Vaccination Day
To make vaccination day easier:
- Carry your child’s vaccination record.
- Dress your child in comfortable clothing.
- Ensure your child is well hydrated.
- Stay with your child during and after the vaccination.
- Monitor for mild side effects over the next 24–48 hours.
- Follow your doctor’s advice if any symptoms develop.
Final Thoughts
Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious infectious diseases. Following the recommended vaccination schedule gives your child the best chance of growing up healthy and protected.
As a parent, staying informed and keeping up with routine immunizations is one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s future.
If you have questions about your child’s health before or after vaccination, OCS Médecins is here to provide professional medical guidance and convenient doctor-at-home consultations—helping families across Mauritius receive quality healthcare when they need it most
