Baby Vaccination Chart in India

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect babies and children from serious infectious diseases. The baby vaccination chart in India begins at birth and continues through the first few years of life, with different vaccines and booster doses given at specific ages.

Following the recommended vaccination schedule helps build immunity when children are most vulnerable to certain infections. In India, parents may encounter both the Government of India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) schedule and the broader recommendations of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). The two schedules overlap for many important vaccines, but the IAP schedule may include additional vaccines based on the child's age, health, and individual risk factors.

Why Is Baby Vaccination Important?

Newborn babies have an immature immune system and can be particularly vulnerable to infections. Vaccines help the immune system recognize specific disease-causing organisms and develop protection without causing the disease itself.

Vaccination can help protect children against illnesses such as:

• Tuberculosis
• Polio
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis or whooping cough
• Tetanus
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease
• Rotavirus infection
• Pneumococcal disease
• Measles
• Rubella
• Influenza
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A

Not every vaccine is given to every child at the same age. The recommended schedule depends on the vaccination programme being followed and the child's individual circumstances.

Baby Vaccination Chart in India

The following is a general age-wise overview of commonly recommended childhood vaccines. Exact vaccine combinations, timing, and additional doses can vary between the Government UIP and IAP recommendations. Parents should follow the schedule provided by their pediatrician.

This table is intended as a general guide rather than a substitute for an individual vaccination card. The current IAP-ACVIP recommendations were revised in 2025 and published in Indian Pediatrics in 2026, reflecting updates to childhood immunization recommendations.

Vaccines Given at Birth

Three important vaccines are commonly associated with the birth visit under India's routine immunization programme:

BCG Vaccine

BCG vaccination helps protect against tuberculosis, particularly severe forms of childhood tuberculosis.

OPV-0

The birth dose of oral polio vaccine helps provide early protection against poliovirus.

Hepatitis B Birth Dose

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended soon after birth. Timely administration is particularly important because early-life hepatitis B infection can have long-term consequences.

The exact timing should be confirmed with the baby's healthcare provider and vaccination facility.

Vaccination at 6, 10 and 14 Weeks

The first few months involve several important primary vaccine doses. Vaccines given during this period may include combination vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Hib disease, along with polio, rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines.

Multiple doses are often necessary because the immune system develops stronger and more sustained protection through the primary vaccination series.

Combination vaccines can also reduce the number of injections required during a visit.

Vaccines Around 9 to 12 Months

As babies approach the end of their first year, additional vaccines become due.

Measles-containing vaccination is an important part of this stage. Depending on the schedule being followed, a child may receive measles-rubella vaccination and other recommended vaccines.

The timing of measles-containing vaccines and additional doses can vary between government and private schedules, so parents should refer to their child's vaccination card and pediatrician's recommendations.

Booster Vaccinations After One Year

Primary vaccination does not mean that protection is complete forever. Some vaccines require booster doses to maintain immunity as the child grows.

During the toddler years, children may receive booster doses for vaccines such as:

• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Pneumococcal disease
• Measles and rubella
• Other vaccines depending on the recommended schedule

The IAP schedule includes additional recommendations beyond the vaccines routinely provided through the government programme. This is one reason vaccination cards from private pediatric practices may look different from those issued through government health facilities.

Government UIP vs IAP Vaccination Schedule

Parents may wonder why different vaccination charts appear online.

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is India's government immunization programme. Eligible vaccines under the programme are provided free through government health facilities.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) provides broader recommendations for childhood immunization. Pediatricians may recommend additional vaccines based on updated evidence, age, health status, risk factors and individual circumstances.

The current IAP-ACVIP schedule was revised after reviewing newer vaccines and immunization evidence. For example, the 2025 recommendations include updated guidance regarding influenza vaccination, RSV prevention for selected high-risk children, and HPV vaccination.

Therefore, parents should not assume that a vaccine absent from the government schedule is unnecessary. Discuss the appropriate schedule with your pediatrician.

What If Your Baby Misses a Vaccine?

A missed vaccination appointment does not usually mean that the entire vaccination series needs to be started again.

In many situations, the pediatrician can create a catch-up vaccination schedule based on:

• The child's age
• Vaccines already received
• Dates of previous doses
• Time intervals between doses
• Medical history
• Current health status

Keep your baby's vaccination card available so the pediatrician can accurately determine which doses are due.

Can Multiple Vaccines Be Given on the Same Day?

Yes. Giving multiple vaccines during the same visit is common and allows children to receive protection on schedule.

Vaccines may also be provided as combination products, reducing the number of injections needed. Your pediatrician will determine which vaccines can be administered during the same visit.

Common Side Effects After Baby Vaccination

Most vaccine reactions are mild and temporary.

A baby may experience:

• Mild fever
• Pain or tenderness at the injection site
• Redness or swelling
• Fussiness
• Sleepiness
• Temporary reduction in appetite

These reactions usually settle without serious complications.

Parents should follow the pediatrician's advice regarding fever management and other symptoms after vaccination.

When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?

Serious vaccine reactions are uncommon, but parents should seek medical attention if their baby develops concerning symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face or lips
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent symptoms
• Unusual difficulty waking the baby
• A serious allergic reaction
• Any symptom that causes significant concern

If you are unsure whether a reaction is normal, contact your pediatrician for guidance.

How to Keep Your Baby's Vaccination Schedule on Track

Keeping vaccination records organized can make childhood immunization much easier.

Parents can:

• Keep the original vaccination card safely.
• Maintain a digital photograph or copy.
• Set reminders for upcoming appointments.
• Ask the pediatrician for the next due date.
• Take the vaccination card to every pediatric visit.
• Inform the doctor about vaccines received at another hospital or clinic.
• Ask about catch-up vaccination if a dose has been missed.

If the vaccination card is lost, contact the hospital or clinic where previous vaccines were administered. Available medical records may help reconstruct the child's vaccination history.

Vaccination During Minor Illness

Parents sometimes postpone vaccination when their baby has a mild cold, cough, or other minor illness.

Whether vaccination should proceed depends on the child's condition and the vaccine being considered. A pediatrician can assess the baby and determine whether vaccination should be given or postponed.

Do not independently delay important vaccines for extended periods. Discuss concerns with your child's doctor.

Why Pediatric Guidance Matters

A vaccination chart provides a useful framework, but every child may have different healthcare needs.

A pediatrician can review the child's vaccination history and consider factors such as premature birth, chronic medical conditions, allergies, previous vaccine reactions, travel plans, exposure risks, and missed doses.

This individualized approach helps ensure that children receive the vaccines appropriate for their age and circumstances.

Baby Vaccination at Prashanth Hospitals

Prashanth Hospitals provides pediatric care where parents can discuss routine immunization, vaccination schedules, missed doses, and catch-up vaccination with pediatric healthcare professionals.

Parents can bring their child's vaccination card to the appointment so the pediatrician can review previous doses and explain upcoming vaccines.

For families who are unsure about the difference between the UIP and IAP schedules, a pediatric consultation can also help clarify which additional vaccines may be appropriate for their child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the vaccination schedule for a newborn baby in India?

At birth, commonly recommended vaccines include BCG, OPV-0 and the hepatitis B birth dose. Further vaccines are given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, followed by additional vaccines and boosters during infancy and childhood.

Is baby vaccination free in India?

Vaccines provided through the Government of India's Universal Immunization Programme are available free of cost at participating government health facilities. Additional vaccines recommended under private pediatric schedules may involve separate costs.

What happens if my baby misses a vaccination date?

Contact your pediatrician rather than restarting the entire schedule on your own. A catch-up schedule can usually be planned based on the vaccines and doses already received.

Can my baby receive multiple vaccines at the same visit?

Yes. Multiple vaccines can commonly be administered during the same visit. Combination vaccines may also reduce the number of injections required.

Are vaccines safe for babies?

Vaccines used in routine childhood immunization programmes undergo safety evaluation and monitoring. Mild reactions such as temporary fever, fussiness, or soreness at the injection site can occur.

Should I follow the UIP or IAP vaccination schedule?

The appropriate schedule depends on your child's circumstances. The UIP provides the government's routine vaccination programme, while IAP recommendations may include additional vaccines. Your pediatrician can explain which schedule and additional vaccines are appropriate for your baby.

Conclusion

Following the baby vaccination chart in India helps parents understand when important vaccines are generally due from birth through early childhood. Vaccination protects children against several serious and preventable infections and helps build immunity during important stages of development.

The Government of India's UIP schedule and the IAP recommendations may differ because the IAP schedule includes additional vaccines and updated recommendations for certain age groups and risk categories. The latest IAP-ACVIP recommendations were revised in 2025 and published in 2026.

Rather than relying solely on a generic online chart, keep your child's vaccination card updated and consult a pediatrician for an age-appropriate schedule. If a dose is missed, seek medical advice about catch-up vaccination instead of delaying further doses.