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