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Published on: Oct 07, 2025
2 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Vaccine Schedule In India: Complete Immunisation Guide For Children & Families

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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

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Read FAQs

A. It’s the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) schedule, covering vaccines from birth to adolescence and for pregnant women.

A. Because vaccines given at recommended ages provide optimal protection when a child is most vulnerable. Missing doses can leave gaps in immunity.

A. BCG, OPV-0 (oral polio), and the birth dose of Hepatitis B.

A. Yes. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends additional ones like influenza, varicella, HPV, etc.

A. A “catch-up schedule” is used by pediatricians to give missed vaccines without restarting everything—timing depends on age and vaccine.

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Genetic Predisposition Testing India: Understanding Your DNA to Prevent Future Disease

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s risk for various diseases. In India, where chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders are increasing rapidly, genetic predisposition testing has emerged as a powerful preventive tool. It helps individuals understand inherited risk factors long before symptoms appear, allowing timely intervention.

SecondMedic offers guided genetic screening to help patients uncover DNA-based risks and take proactive control of their long-term health.

What Is Genetic Predisposition Testing?

Genetic predisposition testing analyzes a person’s DNA to identify mutations, variations, or inherited markers associated with increased disease risk. It does not diagnose a disease but reveals how likely an individual is to develop certain conditions.

What the test identifies:

Gene mutations
Family-linked disease patterns
Hereditary cancer markers
Metabolic and cardiovascular risks
Neurological conditions
Autoimmune predispositions

These insights help individuals and doctors make informed preventive health decisions.

Why Genetic Testing Is Growing in India

1. High prevalence of lifestyle and hereditary diseases

India is the diabetes capital of the world, and many metabolic disorders have genetic roots.

2. Increasing cancer burden

BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes are being detected more often.

3. Awareness about preventive healthcare

People want to act early rather than wait for disease onset.

4. Growth of digital healthcare

Easy access through telemedicine platforms like SecondMedic.

5. Rising chronic cases at younger ages

Genetic predispositions often accelerate early onset of disease.

What Diseases Can Genetic Testing Predict?

1. Cancer Risk

Includes hereditary cancers such as:

Breast
Ovarian
Colorectal
Prostate
Pancreatic

BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome genes are key markers.

2. Heart Disease & Hypertension

Genes that influence:

Cholesterol levels
Plaque formation
Blood pressure regulation

3. Diabetes

Genes that affect insulin sensitivity and metabolic function.

4. Obesity

Markers linked to appetite regulation and fat storage.

5. Neurological Disorders

Including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy predispositions.

6. Autoimmune Diseases

Genes related to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders.

7. Drug Response (Pharmacogenomics)

DNA determines how the body reacts to certain medications.

How Genetic Predisposition Testing Works

Step 1: Sample Collection

Usually saliva, blood, or buccal swab.

Step 2: DNA Sequencing

Advanced technology identifies variations in your genome.

Step 3: Risk Analysis

Gene mutations are mapped to known disease risks.

Step 4: Expert Interpretation

SecondMedic’s genetic counsellors and doctors review results.

Step 5: Preventive Plan

Includes recommended lifestyle changes, screenings, and monitoring.

Benefits of Genetic Predisposition Testing

1. Detect Risk Before Symptoms

Allows decades of preventive action.

2. Personalized Health Planning

Diet, exercise, and medical screening tailored to DNA.

3. Early Cancer Detection

Essential for women with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk.

4. Family Health Insights

Identifies conditions that may affect children and siblings.

5. Improved Treatment Outcomes

Knowing your risk helps doctors monitor you more closely.

6. Better Drug Selection

Pharmacogenomics ensures medications match your genetic profile.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

People with family history of cancer
Individuals whose relatives had early heart attacks
Families with diabetes across generations
Women with breast or ovarian cancer history
Couples planning pregnancy
People with unexplained chronic conditions
Individuals wanting personalized preventive healthcare

Limitations of Genetic Testing

1. Not a diagnosis

It shows probability, not certainty.

2. Environmental and lifestyle factors still matter

Genes interact with habits and environment.

3. Requires professional interpretation

Raw results without counselling can be confusing.

SecondMedic ensures accurate guidance through experienced specialists.

How SecondMedic Supports Genetic Testing

1. End-to-End Genetic Screening

From sample collection to detailed analysis.

2. Expert Review

Genetic counselors and doctors explain every risk factor.

3. Personalized Preventive Plan

Nutrition, exercise, and screening based on DNA.

4. Confidential Reporting

All data is securely stored.

5. Integrated Preventive Tracking

Follow-up tests and monitoring for high-risk individuals.

Future of Genetic Testing in India

AI-based genome interpretation
Affordable whole-genome sequencing
Predictive analytics for early cancer
Family-wide health risk mapping
Integration with digital health IDs under ABDM

SecondMedic aims to make genetic screening widely accessible and scientifically guided.

Conclusion

Genetic predisposition testing India empowers individuals by revealing inherited disease risks long before symptoms develop. It supports preventive healthcare, early cancer detection, and personalized wellness planning. With platforms like SecondMedic offering expert-guided genetic testing, Indians can now take proactive control of their long-term health.

To book your genetic test, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

ICMR – Genetic research insights
NIH – Genetic testing guidelines
WHO – Genomic medicine developments
Statista – DNA testing market India
SecondMedic genetic health studies

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