Short answer
Under India’s National Immunization Schedule, babies get BCG, oral polio and hepatitis B at birth; polio, pentavalent, rotavirus, IPV and PCV doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks; measles-rubella at 9 to 12 months; and boosters at 16 to 24 months and 5 to 6 years, then Td at 10 and 16 years. Keep the vaccination card safe and bring it to every visit.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
National Immunization Schedule at a glance
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, oral polio (OPV-0) and hepatitis B birth dose |
| 6 weeks | OPV-1, pentavalent-1, rotavirus-1, fractional IPV-1 and PCV-1 |
| 10 weeks | OPV-2, pentavalent-2 and rotavirus-2 |
| 14 weeks | OPV-3, pentavalent-3, fractional IPV-2, rotavirus-3 and PCV-2 |
| 9 to 12 months | Measles-rubella (MR-1), PCV booster and vitamin A (first dose); JE-1 in districts where Japanese encephalitis is common |
| 16 to 24 months | MR-2, DPT booster-1 and OPV booster; JE-2 where applicable; vitamin A from 16 to 18 months, then every 6 months up to 5 years |
| 5 to 6 years | DPT booster-2 |
| 10 years | Td (tetanus and adult diphtheria) |
| 16 years | Td |
Pentavalent vaccine protects against five diseases: diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, hepatitis B and Hib.
This table follows the National Health Mission’s published chart. The government updates the schedule from time to time, and some vaccines, such as PCV, were first introduced in selected states. Your paediatrician follows the current schedule.
Vaccines for pregnant mothers
Pregnant women get Td-1 early in pregnancy and Td-2 four weeks later. If you had two doses in a pregnancy within the last 3 years, one booster dose is enough.
Additional vaccines
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends some vaccines beyond the national schedule. At Dhruva Hospitals our paediatrician vaccinates as per the IAP schedule and will explain which additional vaccines may benefit your child, and when.
If a dose was missed
Do not restart the schedule; most vaccines can be caught up. For example, the national chart allows BCG, pentavalent and rotavirus doses up to one year of age, and oral polio up to 5 years. Bring the vaccination card so the doctor can plan the remaining doses.
On vaccination day
- Bring the vaccination card every time.
- Feed your baby as usual. Breastfeeding during or after the injection can comfort your baby.
- Mild fever, crankiness and soreness where the injection was given are common and usually settle within a day or two. Ask the doctor before giving any medicine.
- Get help immediately if your baby has a fit, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, a weak or high-pitched continuous cry, or is very hard to wake.
Common questions
Are national schedule vaccines free?
Yes, vaccines in the national schedule are free at government health centres. Ask us about the vaccines given at Dhruva Hospitals and their cost.
Can my baby be vaccinated with a cold?
A mild cold without high fever is usually not a reason to delay. Let the paediatrician check your baby on the day and decide.
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This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.