Your Baby’s Immunisation Schedule in India: The Ultimate Checklist for Parents

ByDeepshikha Singh
Updated: 21 Oct 2025, 9:30 am

This guide provides a simple and clear list of your baby’s vaccination schedule in India. It covers the timing of key vaccines, explains why each one is important, and helps you prepare for each visit. Stay confident and organised while protecting your child’s health with this easy guide for parents.

Pregatips
Welcoming a baby into your life is a journey filled with joy, responsibility, and countless decisions. One of the most crucial responsibilities you carry is ensuring timely immunisation. Vaccines protect your child from life-threatening diseases and form a shield of immunity that lasts well beyond the early years.
In this article:
Having a clear, organised checklist can help you stay prepared and avoid confusion. Here’s your ultimate step-by-step guide to your baby’s immunisation schedule in India.


Why Immunisation Matters

Vaccination is not just a medical requirement—it’s a gift of protection. It:
  • Builds immunity before exposure to serious diseases.
  • Reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, or complications.
  • Protects the community by limiting the spread of infections.
  • Ensures your child stays on track with global health recommendations.


Immunisation at Birth

The immunisation journey begins at birth. Within the first 24 hours to a few weeks, your baby will typically receive the following vaccines:
  • BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin): Protects against severe forms of tuberculosis.
  • OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine): The zero dose helps build early protection against polio.
  • Hepatitis B (Birth dose): Shields your baby from liver infections caused by the hepatitis B virus.


Immunisation at 6 Weeks

By the 6th week, your baby’s immune system is ready for another important set of vaccines:
  • DTP/DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Prevents three major bacterial infections.
  • IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine): Strengthens protection against polio.
  • Hepatitis B (second dose): Reinforces immunity after the birth dose.
  • Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B): Prevents meningitis and pneumonia caused by Hib bacteria.
  • PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
  • Rotavirus Vaccine: Prevents severe diarrhoea in infants.


Immunisation at 10 Weeks

At 10 weeks, your baby receives the next dose of most of the earlier vaccines:
  • IPV (second dose).
  • Hib (second dose).
  • PCV (second dose).
  • Rotavirus (second dose).
These booster doses make your child’s immune system stronger and give better long-term protection.


Immunisation at 14 Weeks

The 14-week schedule provides further protection with the following vaccines:
  • IPV (third dose).
  • Hib (third dose).
  • PCV (third dose).
  • Rotavirus (third dose).
By this stage, your child has received strong baseline protection against several critical diseases.


Immunisation at 6 Months

At 6 months, your child will receive:
  • Hepatitis B (third dose): Completes the primary series against hepatitis B.
  • Influenza Vaccine (optional, seasonal): Recommended before flu season to reduce the risk of infection.


Immunisation at 9 Months

This stage introduces a very important vaccine:
  • Measles–Rubella (MR): Protects against measles and rubella, both highly contagious viral diseases.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine (only if travelling to certain regions).

Immunisation at 12 Months

At this stage, your child receives boosters and new protections:
  • Hib (booster dose).
  • PCV (booster dose).
  • Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: Shields against typhoid fever, a common infection in India.


Immunisation at 15–18 Months

By now, your child’s immune system is stronger, but boosters remain essential:
  • DTP/DTaP (booster 1).
  • IPV (booster 1).
  • Hib (booster 2 if recommended).
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Second dose for stronger protection.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): Prevents chickenpox infection.

Immunisation at 18–24 Months

  • Hepatitis A Vaccine (two doses given six months apart): Protects against liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Immunisation at 4–6 Years

At this stage, the following boosters are given:
  • DTP/DTaP (booster 2).
  • IPV (booster 2).
  • MMR (booster).
  • Varicella (booster).

Immunisation at 10–12 Years

As your child grows, immunity against some diseases needs reinforcement:
  • Tdap/Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): A booster that continues protection into adolescence.
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine): Recommended for pre-teens to prevent certain viral infections in later life.


Tips to Stay on Track

Keeping track of all these vaccines may feel overwhelming. Use these strategies:
  • Keep an immunisation card updated after every dose.
  • Set reminders on your phone for upcoming dates.
  • Consult your paediatrician to determine if your baby requires additional vaccines.
  • Never delay vaccines unless advised to do so by a medical professional.
Your baby’s immunisation schedule is a roadmap to lifelong protection. By following this checklist carefully, you ensure your child is safe from preventable diseases and can grow with stronger immunity. Keep records, stay informed, and work with your healthcare provider. Immunisation is not just a medical formality—it is a promise of protection, care, and love.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQ’s on Your Baby’s Immunisation Schedule in India: The Ultimate Checklist for Parents

  1. What if my baby misses a vaccine date?
    If a vaccine is missed, you don’t need to restart the series. Consult your doctor, who will adjust the schedule to cover the missed dose as soon as possible.
  2. Are vaccines safe during minor illnesses?
    Yes, most vaccines can be given during mild colds or fevers. However, if your child is seriously unwell, discuss with your doctor before proceeding.
  3. Can all vaccines be administered free of charge in India?
    Yes, under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), several essential vaccines are available free of cost at government health centres. Some additional vaccines may need to be taken privately.
  4. Do vaccines cause side effects?
    Mild side effects, such as fever, soreness, or swelling at the injection site, are common and typically temporary. Severe reactions are rare but must be reported immediately to a doctor.
  5. Why are booster doses necessary?
    Booster doses help the immune system “remember” the disease for a longer period. They are crucial for maintaining protection as the child grows.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Sahana K P, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Hospital