Vaccine Schedule for Children in India
– Vaccines protect children from serious infections and build immunity at the right time.
– This page gives you a simple, age-wise schedule you can follow easily.
– Keep your child’s vaccine card handy for every visit.
– If a dose is missed or delayed, we can plan a safe catch-up schedule.
– In doubt, ask—clear guidance is always better than guessing.
After vaccination, seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial/lip swelling, severe rash, seizures, or extreme drowsiness. Also see: Emergency checklist.
Age-Wise Vaccine Schedule
Note: This is a general guide based on current IAP / national recommendations. Your child’s doctor may adjust it slightly.
| Age of child | Main vaccines (simple names) | What they protect against |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG, Oral Polio, Hepatitis B | TB, polio, liver infection (Hep B) |
| 6 Weeks | DPT + Hib + Polio (injection), Hep B, Pneumococcal (PCV), Rotavirus | Whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, meningitis, polio, pneumonia, severe diarrhoea |
| 10 Weeks | 2nd doses of DPT + Hib + Polio, PCV, Rotavirus | Strengthens earlier protection |
| 14 Weeks | 3rd doses of DPT + Hib + Polio, PCV, Rotavirus | Long-term protection |
| 9 Months | Measles–Rubella (MR) ± Oral Polio | Measles, rubella, polio |
| 12 Months | Hepatitis A (1st dose, if advised) | Hepatitis A (jaundice) |
| 15 Months | MMR (2nd), Chickenpox (Varicella), PCV booster | Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pneumonia |
| 16–18 Months | DPT + Hib + Polio booster | Booster against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, meningitis, polio |
| 18 Months | Hepatitis A (2nd, if used) | Full protection from Hep A |
| 2 Years | Typhoid conjugate | Typhoid fever |
| 4–6 Years | DPT booster, Polio booster, MMR (3rd), Varicella (2nd), Typhoid booster (if advised) | Ongoing protection in school years |
| 10–12 Years | Tdap / Td booster, HPV (as advised) | Teen booster; prevention of cervical and some other cancers (HPV) |
Please discuss optional vaccines (like flu vaccine, HPV in boys, meningococcal etc.) with your pediatrician.
After Vaccination: Quick Guidance for Parents
Easy points to read fast—what’s normal, what needs urgent attention, and how to care for your child at home.
What Parents Need to Know
- Vaccines recommended by IAP and Government of India are safe and tested.
- Many vaccines need 2–3 doses and a booster for full protection.
- Mild fever, pain or swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days is common.
- Always carry your child’s vaccination card to every visit.
- Even if a dose is late, your pediatrician can help you catch up the schedule.
When to See a Doctor Urgently
After vaccination, get medical help immediately if your child has:
- High fever >102°F (39°C) lasting more than 2 days.
- Breathing difficulty, wheezing, or swelling of face/lips.
- Severe rash all over the body.
- Fits (seizures) or is very drowsy / not responding.
- Large, painful swelling with pus at injection site that worsens.
Home Care and What to Avoid
- Give paracetamol only in the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Use a cold cloth on the injection area for 10–15 minutes if sore.
- Continue breastfeeding / normal diet; offer extra fluids.
- Dress the child in light, comfortable clothes.
- Watch for unusual symptoms for the next 24–48 hours.
- Do not give ibuprofen or other medicines on your own.
- Do not rub or massage the injection site.
- Do not delay or skip boosters because the child “is rarely sick”.
- Do not rely on social media myths; always confirm with your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if we miss a scheduled vaccine?
Can my child be vaccinated with mild cold or cough?
Are “optional” vaccines really needed?
Can vaccines cause long-term harm?
Should my teenager get HPV vaccine?
This handout does not replace a doctor’s advice. In doubt, please contact your child’s doctor or visit the nearest hospital.