14/08/2026
Is your child actually due for Vitamin A, or are you just following the crowd?
With so many posts about Vitamin A drives right now, it's easy to assume every child needs a dose whenever it's being offered.
But here's the truth:
Vitamin A is NOT a vaccine.
It's an essential fat-soluble micronutrient given at specific age milestones at government hospitals (usually starting at 9 months and spaced 6 months apart ).
Because unused Vitamin A builds up in the body, giving extra doses when they aren't due can actually cause toxicity.
Why is it included in Govt schedule?
1. Govt needs to aim every corner of the country, and people for whom vegetables are not easily available, malnutrition is common, poor affordability/availability to basic food.
2. Vit A deficiency can cause night blindness (Most common cause of preventable blindness) which can easily be avoided with just 1 medicine 6 monthly. That's why they give it.
3. Children who have vegetables, fruits easily available cant get deficiency so its not routinely used in pvt clinics or vaccination schedule.
Before saying yes to an additional dose:
1. Check your child's vaccination/immunization card.
2 Note the date of their last Vitamin A dose.
3 Confirm with your pediatrician if a new dose is due.
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