Protecting children from birth to toddlerhood — one shot at a time. Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is one of the country’s biggest public health success stories. It ensures every child, regardless of where they’re born, gets protection against life-threatening diseases through free, timely vaccines.
🧠 Purpose of the National Immunization Schedule
Why It Exists
The schedule provides a standard plan showing which vaccine to give, when, and how many doses. It helps health workers and parents keep track, ensuring maximum immunity at the right age — especially when maternal antibodies start to fade.
📅 Current Ghana EPI Schedule
| Age | Vaccine(s) | Purpose / Diseases Prevented |
|---|---|---|
| At birth | BCG, OPV 0, Hepatitis B 0 | TB, Polio, Hepatitis B |
| 6 weeks | OPV 1, Pentavalent 1 (DPT-HepB-Hib), PCV 1, Rota 1 | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hep B, Hib, Polio, Pneumonia, Diarrhea |
| 10 weeks | OPV 2, Pentavalent 2, PCV 2, Rota 2 | Booster protection |
| 14 weeks | OPV 3, Pentavalent 3, PCV 3, IPV | Continued protection; switch from oral to inactivated polio |
| 6 months | Vitamin A | Prevents night blindness, supports growth & immunity |
| 9 months | Measles-Rubella 1, Yellow Fever | Prevents viral exanthems and vector-borne illness |
| 18 months | Measles-Rubella 2, Meningitis A, Vitamin A | Strengthens long-term immunity |
| Every 6 months until 5 years | Vitamin A supplementation | Ongoing protection for immunity and vision |
🩺 Pentavalent = DPT + Hepatitis B + Haemophilus influenzae type b
💡 Tricks to Remember
Memory Aids
- “0–6–10–14–9–18” rule → Key vaccination ages.
- At birth: Think “Welcome pack” — BCG, OPV 0, Hep B.
- 6–10–14 weeks: “Building blocks” — Polio + Penta + PCV + Rota.
- 9 & 18 months: “Final armor” — Measles-Rubella, Yellow Fever, Meningitis A.
🧩 Why Timing Matters
Importance of Schedule
Too early: The child’s immune system may not respond well. Too late: The child remains exposed to preventable infections. That’s why immunization cards and follow-up visits are essential.
🌍 Ghana’s Achievements
Success Stories
- Over 90% immunization coverage for major vaccines.
- Elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus.
- Drastic fall in measles and polio cases.
🧠 Quick Recap
| Key Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| EPI Goal | Protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases |
| Ages to remember | Birth, 6w, 10w, 14w, 9m, 18m |
| Mnemonic | “Welcome → Build → Boost → Armor” |
| Pentavalent combo | DPT + HepB + Hib |
💉 In Essence
The Ghana EPI schedule is more than a chart — it’s a roadmap for survival. Each vaccine given on time is one less child lost to preventable disease.