A Practical Guide to Your Child’s Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination is an important part of protecting children from several serious and preventable diseases. Vaccines help the child’s immune system develop protection before exposure to certain infections.
A vaccination schedule helps parents know which vaccines are recommended at different stages of childhood. The exact schedule can vary depending on the child’s health, previous vaccinations and the vaccination programme being followed.
Why Vaccination Is Important
Vaccines help protect children against diseases that can cause serious complications.
Regular vaccination can help:
- Build protection against vaccine-preventable diseases
- Reduce the risk of serious infections
- Protect children during their early years
- Support community protection
- Reduce the spread of certain infectious diseases
- Provide protection at the appropriate age
Following the recommended schedule is an important part of routine child healthcare.
Vaccination Schedule From Birth
At Birth
Important birth vaccines under India’s National Immunization Schedule include:
- BCG
- Hepatitis B birth dose
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) birth dose
These vaccines provide early protection against tuberculosis, hepatitis B and polio.
At 6 Weeks
The next group of vaccinations may include:
- OPV
- Pentavalent vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), where applicable
This stage begins an important series of primary childhood vaccinations.
At 10 Weeks
Vaccinations may include:
- OPV
- Pentavalent vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
Keeping these doses on schedule helps complete the primary vaccination series.
At 14 Weeks
Vaccinations may include:
- OPV
- Pentavalent vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
- IPV
- PCV, where applicable
The exact vaccines provided can depend on the applicable national or local programme.
Vaccines Around 9–12 Months
As the child grows, additional vaccines are recommended.
Depending on the National Immunization Schedule and applicable location, these may include:
- Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
- Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine in applicable areas
- PCV booster
- Vitamin A supplementation
JE vaccination is provided in designated endemic areas.
At Motherly Hospitals, parents can discuss their child’s vaccination history with a pediatrician and understand which vaccines are due, which doses have already been given and whether any additional vaccination is appropriate for their child.
Vaccines Around 16–24 Months
This stage includes important booster doses.
Vaccines under the National Immunization Schedule can include:
- MR second dose
- DPT first booster
- OPV booster
- JE second dose in applicable areas
- Vitamin A supplementation according to the recommended schedule
Booster doses help maintain protection as the child grows.
Vaccines Around 5–6 Years
A further booster is recommended:
- DPT second booster
Parents should continue maintaining the child’s vaccination record and attend scheduled appointments.
Vaccines at 10 and 16 Years
The National Immunization Schedule includes vaccination at:
10 years
- Td/appropriate tetanus-diphtheria vaccination according to the current programme
16 years
- Td/appropriate tetanus-diphtheria vaccination according to the current programme
The current programme uses Td in place of the older TT terminology in relevant guidance.
Keep Your Child's Vaccination Record Safe
A vaccination record helps parents and healthcare professionals track completed and upcoming doses.
Keep a record of:
- Vaccine name
- Date given
- Dose number
- Next scheduled dose
- Any relevant medical instructions
Bring the vaccination record to every pediatric appointment.
If a Vaccine Dose Is Delayed
Sometimes a child may miss a scheduled vaccination because of illness, travel or other circumstances.
Parents should:
- Avoid restarting the entire vaccination schedule on their own.
- Take the child’s existing vaccination record to a pediatrician.
- Ask which dose is due.
- Follow the catch-up plan recommended by the healthcare professional.
- Continue future vaccinations according to the advised schedule.
Vaccination and Your Child's Health
Children may experience mild reactions after some vaccines, such as temporary pain or swelling at the injection site or a mild fever.
Parents should:
- Follow the healthcare professional’s instructions.
- Observe the child after vaccination.
- Give medicines only when recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Seek medical attention if the child develops a concerning or severe reaction.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics also maintains updated vaccination resources covering vaccines used in childhood, including hepatitis A, influenza, HPV, MMR, pneumococcal, rotavirus, varicella and others. These recommendations can differ from the government National Immunization Schedule, so parents should discuss additional vaccines with their pediatrician.
Motherly Hospitals: Supporting Your Child's Health
A vaccination schedule is more than a list of dates. It is a way to help ensure that children receive recommended protection at the appropriate stages of growth.
At Motherly Hospitals, we encourage parents to maintain vaccination records, attend scheduled pediatric visits and discuss any concerns about their child’s immunization with a qualified pediatrician.
Vaccination recommendations can change and may differ based on the child’s health, location and individual circumstances. Always follow the vaccination plan advised by your child’s healthcare professional.
Motherly Hospitals is committed to supporting your child through every stage of healthy growth and development.
Our family-centered approach to healthcare ensures that each member of your family receives personalized attention.
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