Can my baby receive vaccines if they have a cold?

Yes, babies with a mild cold, cough, or low-grade fever can usually receive their scheduled vaccines. However, if your baby is very unwell, your paediatrician may advise delaying the vaccination.

Is it safe for my baby to receive more than one vaccine on the same day?

Yes, it is safe. Some vaccines are given during the same visit to provide timely protection and reduce the number of clinic visits.

Should I postpone vaccination if my baby was born prematurely?

Premature babies usually follow the same vaccination schedule based on their actual age. Your paediatrician can guide you on any changes that may be needed.

What Is the National Immunisation Schedule for Babies in India?

After your baby is born, you may receive an immunisation card filled with vaccine names, dates, and abbreviations that can feel difficult to understand. Many parents wonder which vaccines are given at birth, when the next doses are due, and whether government and private schedules are different.

Why Is Vaccination Important for Babies?

Your baby is born with some of your antibodies, but this protection does not last long. As your baby grows, the immune system is still developing and may not be strong enough to fight certain infections. Vaccines help your baby build immunity and protect them from serious diseases before they are exposed to these infections. Vaccines are given at specific ages because they work best when your baby's immune system is ready to respond.

What Is the National Immunisation Schedule?

The National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) is the current vaccination schedule followed in India. It is prepared by the Government of India under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). The schedule tells parents which vaccines their child needs and at what age they should be given.

The UIP was launched in 1985 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Since then, the schedule has been updated periodically based on public health needs and expert recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI).

The main goal of the National Immunisation Schedule is to protect children from serious diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, rubella, pneumonia, and rotavirus diarrhoea.

Vaccines included in the National Immunisation Schedule are provided free of cost at government hospitals, primary health centres, community health centres, and vaccination clinics across India.

National Immunisation Schedule for Babies in India

The National Immunisation Schedule includes vaccines for different age groups. The table below focuses on the vaccines recommended for babies during the first two years of life.

Age	Vaccine
At Birth	BCG
	OPV-0
	Hepatitis B (Birth Dose)
6 weeks	Pentavalent-1
	OPV-1
	IPV-1
	Rotavirus-1
	PCV-1
10 weeks	Pentavalent-2
	OPV-2
	Rotavirus-2
14 weeks	Pentavalent-3
	OPV-3
	IPV-2
	Rotavirus-3
	PCV-2
9–12 months	MR-1
9–12 months	PCV Booster
16–24 months	DPT Booster
	OPV Booster
	MR-2

The following table explains the diseases that the vaccines in the National Immunisation Schedule help prevent.

Vaccine	Protects Against
BCG	Tuberculosis
OPV/IPV	Polio
Hepatitis B	Hepatitis B
Pentavalent	Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus
Rotavirus	Severe diarrhea
PCV	Pneumonia and meningitis
MR	Measles and rubella

What Happens If a Vaccine Dose Is Missed?

If your baby misses a vaccine dose, do not worry. In many cases, the missed vaccine can still be given later. You usually do not need to restart the entire vaccination schedule.

Talk to your paediatrician to know when the missed dose should be given. Delaying vaccines for a long time may leave your baby unprotected from certain diseases.

Common Side Effects After Vaccination

Common side effects that may occur after vaccination include:

Your baby may develop a mild fever
Your baby may have pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given
Your baby may become fussy or irritable
Your baby may feel sleepy or tired
Your baby may eat less than usual for a short time
Your baby may cry more than usual

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your paediatrician if your baby:

Develops a high fever
Has difficulty breathing
Cries continuously for several hours
Becomes very sleepy or difficult to wake up
Develops severe swelling or redness at the injection site
Has a seizure or unusual body movements

Tips for Parents to Keep Vaccinations on Track

The following are some simple tips that may help you keep vaccinations on track:

Keep your baby's vaccination card in a safe place
Mark vaccine dates on your calendar or phone
Set reminders for upcoming appointments
Take your baby's vaccination card to every doctor's visit
Ask your paediatrician about the next scheduled vaccine
Reschedule missed appointments as soon as possible

Following the National Immunisation Schedule can help protect your baby from several serious diseases. Getting vaccines on time helps keep your baby healthy and supports their growth and development. Regular visits to your paediatrician can also help ensure that your baby receives all recommended vaccines.

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FAQs on What Is the National Immunisation Schedule for Babies in India?

Can my baby receive vaccines if they have a cold?
Yes, babies with a mild cold, cough, or low-grade fever can usually receive their scheduled vaccines. However, if your baby is very unwell, your paediatrician may advise delaying the vaccination.
Is it safe for my baby to receive more than one vaccine on the same day?
Yes, it is safe. Some vaccines are given during the same visit to provide timely protection and reduce the number of clinic visits.
Should I postpone vaccination if my baby was born prematurely?
Premature babies usually follow the same vaccination schedule based on their actual age. Your paediatrician can guide you on any changes that may be needed.