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Vaccine Schedule in India: Complete Immunisation Guide for Children & Families

Vaccine schedules are among the most powerful tools in public health. They provide a roadmap to protect children and mothers from preventable diseases. In India, the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and additional guidelines from pediatric bodies help guide which vaccines are needed, and when.

India’s National Immunisation Program

The UIP is India’s flagship immunisation effort under the National Health Mission. It ensures free vaccines to infants, children, and pregnant women against multiple diseases. National Health Mission+2Wikipedia+2

Under the National Immunization Schedule (NIS):

• At birth: BCG, OPV-0, and Hepatitis B birth dose. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare+2National Health Mission+2

• At 6, 10, 14 weeks: Pentavalent (DPT + Hib + Hep B), OPV, Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) where applicable. National Health Mission+2Ministry of Health and Family Welfare+2

• At 9–12 months: MR (Measles-Rubella), Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in endemic areas, PCV booster where included. hospital.iitd.ac.in+3National Health Mission+3Ministry of Health and Family Welfare+3

• 16–24 months and beyond: DPT / DT booster, OPV booster, MR 2nd dose, Vitamin A doses up to age 5. hospital.iitd.ac.in+3nhm.hp.gov.in+3Ministry of Health and Family Welfare+3

• For pregnant women: Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria) doses during pregnancy. National Health Mission+2Ministry of Health and Family Welfare+2
   

Beyond Government Schedule: IAP / Pediatric Recommendations

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) offers a broader immunisation schedule, recommending additional vaccines like influenza, varicella, HPV, and typhoid conjugate vaccine in regions or based on risk. PMC+2Sapling Hospitals+2

Guidelines published in medical literature show that MMR should be given at 9 and 15 months, and that new slots for typhoid conjugate vaccine at 9–12 months may be included. PMC

Why Following the Schedule Matters

• Vaccines timed correctly help children develop immunity before they are exposed to disease.

• Delays or skipped vaccines increase the risk of outbreaks and individual disease.

• Catch-up schedules help cover gaps but may be less optimal.
   

SecondMedic supports families by offering reminders, linking to immunisation services, helping you access private or public vaccine centers, and tracking vaccination history to avoid missed doses.

Conclusion

Having a clear vaccine schedule in India helps parents and health workers ensure that children and pregnant women receive critical protection at the right time. While the UIP forms the backbone of this system, newer pediatric guidelines and optional vaccines enhance coverage. Keeping track of due dates, staying updated with health guidelines, and using services like reminders and catch-up support can ensure no child misses essential immunisation.

Stay on top of your child’s vaccinations - manage and monitor the schedule with SecondMedic ? https://www.secondmedic.com

Useful Platforms & Links

• National Immunization Schedule PDF, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare National Health Mission+1

• Universal Immunisation Programme (NHM) page National Health Mission

• IAP Immunization Schedule Guide (Sapling Hospitals) Sapling Hospitals

• Guidelines for Vaccinations in India (PMC) PMC

• Indian Academy of Pediatrics IMA schedule chart IMA India

WHO immunization schedule data portal Immunization Data