Child vaccination chart in India

Child vaccination is very important. It helps to protect kids from diseases. The government provides free vaccines in India under the universal immunisation program (UP). Private hospitals also offer vaccines, but they charge a fee. Every parent must know the vaccination schedule. Missing vaccines can put a child at risk. Vaccines not only save individual lives but also prevent outbreaks.
 

Why vaccines are important

Vaccines help build immunity. They prepare the body to fight diseases. When a child gets a vaccine, their body makes antibodies. This protects them if they face the disease later. Vaccines have saved millions of lives in India.

India has many diseases that can be deadly for kids. Vaccines help prevent them. Polio, measles, hepatitis, and tuberculosis are some common diseases. Vaccines also help stop outbreaks. When most kids are vaccinated, diseases don’t spread quickly. This is known as herd immunity. Herd immunity helps even those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns and children with certain medical conditions.
 

Vaccination schedule in India

In India, vaccines are given at different ages. Here is a simple chart to follow:

at birth

• bcg (for tuberculosis)
• opv (oral polio vaccine)
• hepatitis b

6 weeks

• diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (dpt)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• hepatitis b
• inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
• rotavirus
• pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)

10 weeks

• dpt (second dose)
• hib (second dose)
• hepatitis B (second dose)
• ipv (second dose)
• rotavirus (second dose)
• pcv (second dose)

14 weeks

• dpt (third dose)
• hib (third dose)
• hepatitis B (third dose)
• ipv (third dose)
• rotavirus (third dose)
• pcv (third dose)

6 months

• hepatitis B (fourth dose, optional)
• flu vaccine (optional, but recommended)

9 months

• measles-rubella (MR)
• Japanese encephalitis (JE, in some states)

12 months

• hepatitis A (first dose)

15 months

• mmr (measles, mumps, rubella)
• pcv (booster dose)
• varicella (chickenpox, optional)

16-18 months

• DPT (first booster)
• IPV (first booster)
• HIB (booster dose)
• Hepatitis A (second dose)

2 years

• Typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV)

4-6 years

• dpt (second booster)
• opv (booster dose)
• varicella (second dose, optional)
• MMR (second dose)

10-12 years

• tetanus-diphtheria (td)
• human papillomavirus (hpv, for girls, optional but recommended)

Importance of booster doses

Many parents think that once vaccines are given in infancy, their child is protected for life. This is not always true. Some vaccines, like DPT and polio, need booster doses to maintain immunity. Booster doses help the immune system remember the disease and fight it better. Skipping booster doses can make the vaccine less effective in the long run.

Is vaccination safe?

Yes, vaccines are safe. They go through many tests before they are used. Some kids may have mild side effects. Fever, redness, and swelling at the injection site are common. Serious side effects are infrequent.

Parents worry about vaccine safety, but skipping vaccines is more dangerous. Diseases like measles and polio can cause disability or death. Vaccines protect children from such risks.

Government support in India

India has a strong immunisation program. The government gives free vaccines to all children. The Mission Indradhanush program covers areas where vaccine rates are low. The intensified Mission Indra Dhanush (IMI) program helps children in remote and difficult-to-reach areas get vaccinated. Many NGOs also support vaccination drives. Private hospitals provide extra vaccines that the government does not cover.

How to keep track

Parents should keep a vaccine card. Doctors provide this at birth. Each vaccine date should be recorded. Missing a dose? Don’t worry. Most vaccines have catch-up schedules. Talk to your doctor about the next step. Today, many apps and online tools help track vaccinations. Government apps like indradhanush help parents stay updated on their child’s vaccination status.

Common myths about vaccines

Some people believe vaccines cause autism. This is not true. Many studies show no link between vaccines and autism. Others think vaccines weaken natural immunity. This is also false. Vaccines make immunity stronger.

Another myth is that breastfed babies don’t need vaccines. While breastfeeding gives some immunity, it is not enough. Vaccines are still required.

Some parents think natural infection is better than vaccination. This is dangerous. Getting a disease like measles or chickenpox naturally can lead to severe complications. Vaccines provide immunity without the risk of severe illness.

Travel and vaccinations

If you plan to travel within or outside India, ensure your child’s vaccinations are current. Some diseases, like hepatitis A and Japanese encephalitis, are more common in certain regions. Before traveling, check with your doctor if your child needs extra vaccines.

Role of schools and communities

Many schools request vaccination records during admission, ensuring all children are protected. Communities can also spread awareness. Vaccination drives in villages and urban slums help reach more children, and local health workers play a significant role in educating parents.

Impact of COVID-19 on vaccination

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children missed their routine vaccinations. Catching up on missed vaccines is essential, as skipping vaccines can lead to outbreaks of diseases like measles and diphtheria. Parents should visit their nearest health center to complete missed vaccinations.

Final thoughts

Vaccination is a gift of health. Every child deserves it. Parents must follow the schedule. Vaccines protect not just one child, but the whole community. India has made significant progress in vaccination. With awareness, we can protect every child from deadly diseases. So, let’s vaccinate and keep our kids safe. No child should suffer from a disease that can be prevented. As responsible parents and citizens, we must ensure complete immunisation for every child.

FAQs

1. Where can vaccines be obtained in India?  

Vaccines are available at both public and private health institutions.

Type of Vaccination:

• Free Vaccines – Available at government hospitals and clinics at no charge under the National Immunization Program.
• Paid Vaccines (Private) – Available at private hospitals and clinics, with costs varying between Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000 depending on the vaccine.

In private healthcare facilities, parents may refer to a private vaccination schedule for additional vaccines not covered by the government program, such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) or recent vaccines for dengue and influenza.

2. What are the consequences of delaying vaccination for an infant?  

If vaccinations are postponed, the infant remains susceptible to illnesses. Following a pediatrician's advice, it is crucial to catch up on immunizations as soon as possible.

3. Which vaccine is given first to a newborn?  

The initial vaccines usually administered at birth comprise BCG, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), and Hepatitis B.

4.  When should the BCG vaccine be administered to a newborn?  

The BCG vaccine is generally given at birth or shortly thereafter to protect against tuberculosis.