Vaccination is one of the most effective public-health interventions in history. India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides free vaccines against 12 diseases at government health facilities across the country.
This guide explains the current schedule, what each vaccine protects against, what to do if you miss a dose, and how to think about additional private vaccines.
The government vaccination schedule (UIP)
The following schedule is based on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's current recommendations. Always verify with your paediatrician, as the schedule may be updated.
At birth
- BCG — protects against tuberculosis.
- OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine, birth dose) — protects against poliomyelitis.
- Hepatitis B birth dose — protects against hepatitis B infection.
6 weeks
- OPV-1
- Pentavalent-1 (DPT + Hepatitis B + Hib) — protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
- Rotavirus-1 — protects against rotavirus diarrhoea.
- IPV-1 (Injectable Polio Vaccine) — in some states.
- PCV-1 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) — protects against pneumococcal disease. Included in UIP in phased expansion.
10 weeks
- OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, Rotavirus-2
14 weeks
- OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, Rotavirus-3, IPV-2, PCV-2
9–12 months
- MR-1 (Measles-Rubella) — protects against measles and rubella.
- JE-1 (Japanese Encephalitis) — in endemic districts.
- PCV booster
- Vitamin A, first dose
16–24 months
- DPT booster-1
- MR-2
- OPV booster
- JE-2 (where applicable)
- Vitamin A, second dose
5–6 years
- DPT booster-2
10 years
- TT (Tetanus Toxoid) or Td
16 years
- TT/Td booster
Tracking due dates
- Keep the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card safe. It records every dose given.
- Set phone reminders for due dates.
- Government facilities send SMS reminders in many states.
- Note the next due date at every visit and write it where you will see it.
What if you miss a dose?
A missed dose does not mean starting from scratch. Most vaccines can be given late without restarting the series. The important thing is to catch up as soon as possible.
- Call your paediatrician or visit the nearest government health centre.
- Bring the MCP card so the healthcare worker knows which doses have been given.
- Multiple vaccines can safely be given in the same visit if needed.
Private (optional) vaccines
Beyond the UIP, some paediatricians recommend additional vaccines available at private clinics. These are not free but may be appropriate for some children. Common ones include:
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine
- Influenza (annual flu vaccine)
- Meningococcal vaccine
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) — recommended for girls aged 9–14 by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics.
Discuss these with your paediatrician. They can advise based on your child's health, risk factors, and your family's circumstances. Do not feel pressured to add every optional vaccine, but also do not dismiss them without understanding what they protect against.
Common concerns
"Will the baby get fever after vaccination?"
Mild fever, fussiness, and soreness at the injection site are common and usually resolve within 1–2 days. Paracetamol (in the correct dose for age and weight) can be given if the child is uncomfortable. Ask your doctor for the right dose—do not guess.
"Can we give multiple vaccines at once?"
Yes. The UIP schedule already involves multiple vaccines per visit. This is safe and well-studied.
"Do vaccines cause autism?"
No. This claim originated from a fraudulent 1998 study that was retracted and its author struck off the medical register. Multiple large studies involving millions of children have found no link between vaccines and autism.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Universal Immunization Programme: national immunization schedule.
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics. IAP Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) recommended immunization schedule.
- WHO. Vaccines and immunization: what is vaccination?