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The IAP schedule is broader than the National Immunisation Schedule (NIS). It includes vaccines that may not be routinely provided through the government’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
We spoke to Dr Rajat Grover, Senior Consultant – Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Patparganj, New Delhi, for his recommendations on what parents should know about the IAP vaccination schedule.
IAP Vaccination Schedule for Children in India
Here is an age-wise overview of the routine IAP-ACVIP vaccination schedule:| Age | Vaccines recommended by IAP-ACVIP |
| At birth | BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B-1 |
| 6 weeks | DTwP/DTaP-1, IPV-1, Hib-1, Hepatitis B-2, Rotavirus-1, PCV-1 |
| 10 weeks | DTwP/DTaP-2, IPV-2, Hib-2, Hepatitis B-3, Rotavirus-2, PCV-2 |
| 14 weeks | DTwP/DTaP-3, IPV-3, Hib-3, Hepatitis B-4, Rotavirus-3, PCV-3 |
| 6 months | Influenza-1 |
| 7 months | Influenza-2 |
| 6–9 months | Typhoid conjugate vaccine |
| 9 months | MMR-1 |
| 12 months | Hepatitis A |
| 15 months | MMR-2, Varicella-1, PCV booster |
| 16–18 months | DTwP/DTaP booster-1, Hib booster-1, IPV booster-1 |
| 18–19 months | Hepatitis A-2*, Varicella-2 |
| 4–6 years | DTwP/DTaP booster-2, IPV booster-2, MMR-3 |
| 9–15 years | HPV |
| 10 years | Tdap |
| 16–18 years | Td/Tdap |
What Do These Vaccines Protect Against?
The vaccines recommended by IAP provide protection against several infections, including:- BCG: Tuberculosis, particularly severe forms of childhood TB
- OPV and IPV: Polio
- Hepatitis B vaccine: Hepatitis B infection
- DTwP/DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
- Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b disease
- Rotavirus vaccine: Rotavirus gastroenteritis
- PCV: Pneumococcal disease
- MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella
- Varicella vaccine: Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A vaccine: Hepatitis A
- Influenza vaccine: Influenza
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine: Typhoid fever
- HPV vaccine: Human papillomavirus infection
What Are the Recent Updates in the IAP Vaccination Schedule?
The latest IAP-ACVIP recommendations include several important updates.The recommended influenza vaccine has changed from a quadrivalent to a trivalent influenza vaccine. IAP-ACVIP also recommends a single HPV vaccine dose for immunocompetent girls aged 9 to under 15 years.
Boys aged 9 to under 15 years are recommended a two-dose schedule, while children older than 15 years and immunocompromised children require three doses.
IAP-ACVIP does not currently recommend universal use of nirsevimab for all infants. Its use is restricted to high-risk infants after appropriate counselling and shared decision-making with parents.
IAP vs NIS Vaccination Schedule: What Is the Difference?
The NIS is part of the Government of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme and focuses on vaccines provided through the national public-health programme.The IAP vaccination schedule provides broader recommendations for individual children and includes vaccines that may not be routinely available through the UIP.
For example, the IAP schedule includes vaccines against influenza, typhoid, hepatitis A, varicella and HPV.
Therefore, the two schedules should not be considered competing vaccination schedules. Your child may receive vaccines through the NIS as well as additional vaccines recommended by a paediatrician according to the IAP schedule.
What If Your Child Misses a Vaccine?
If your child misses a scheduled vaccine, do not panic. Consult your paediatrician and take your child’s vaccination records with you.The doctor can review the vaccines already given and recommend an appropriate catch-up schedule. Do not assume that a delayed vaccination means the entire series needs to be restarted.
Every child’s vaccination needs may vary. Consult your paediatrician to understand which vaccines are appropriate for your child and when they should be given.
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FAQs on Vaccination Schedule From the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP): What Should Parents Know
- Is the IAP vaccination schedule different from the NIS?
Yes. The IAP schedule is broader and includes additional vaccines that may not be routinely provided under the government’s Universal Immunisation Programme. - Which vaccines recommended by IAP may not be included in the NIS?
Examples include influenza, typhoid conjugate, hepatitis A, varicella and HPV vaccines. - What should I do if my child misses an IAP-recommended vaccine?
Consult your paediatrician with your child’s vaccination records. The doctor can recommend the appropriate catch-up vaccination plan.
