Taking care of children involves building a strong foundation for their future health, and vaccines are a critical part of that journey. The comprehensive vaccination schedule is designed to safeguard your baby against diseases and set them up for a better life.
The immunisation program includes a comprehensive list of vaccines, each crucial for protecting children from specific infections and promoting overall well-being.
The vaccine schedule outlines essential immunisations for children, including doses for diseases like polio, measles, and hepatitis, given at specific ages to protect their health.
The National Immunisation Schedule recommends the following vaccines for infants and children.
| Vaccine | Purpose | Recommended Age |
| BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) | Protects against tuberculosis | At birth |
| Hepatitis B | Prevents hepatitis B infection | At birth, 6 weeks, 6 months |
| OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) | Protects against poliomyelitis | At birth, 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Pentavalent (DPT-HepB-Hib) | Combines protection against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B | 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Rotavirus Vaccine | Prevents rotavirus-induced diarrhoea | 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) | Provides additional protection against poliovirus | 6, 14 weeks |
| PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) | Protects against pneumococcal infections | 6, 14 weeks, 9 months |
| Measles/MR (Measles-Rubella) Vaccine | Protects against measles and rubella | 9 months, 16-24 months |
| JE (Japanese Encephalitis) Vaccine | Protects against Japanese encephalitis | 9 months, 16-24 months (in endemic areas) |
| DPT Booster | Booster for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus | 16-24 months, 5-6 years |
| OPV Booster | Booster dose for polio | 16-24 months |
| Vitamin A Supplementation | Prevents vitamin A deficiency | Starting at 9 months, then every 6 months up to 5 years |
Vaccinations in general are safe. However, some infants may experience mild side effects which are usually mild and self-limiting. If symptoms persist consult your doctor.
To soothe your baby, keep them hydrated, dress them in light clothing, and use a lukewarm sponge bath to help lower their temperature. Ensure they get plenty of rest.
Baby’s routine
Try building a daily schedule for your baby's feeding, napping, and bath times.
Newborn care
Give your baby a warm bath to help relax their bowels.
Vaccine shots
Try distracting your baby with a toy, song or breastfeeding during their vaccine shot.
Develop immunity
Discuss routine care & immunisations with your pediatrician to build your baby’s immunity
Portion size
When your baby starts eating, feed small portions and encourage them to chew their food.
FAQs
Your baby needs vaccines for diseases like tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis B, measles, and more. Follow the vaccination schedule provided by your paediatrician.
It’s best not to delay. Sticking to the schedule ensures timely protection against diseases. If unavoidable, consult your doctor to adjust the timeline.
Mild illnesses like a cold usually do not interfere with vaccination. However, severe illness may require rescheduling.
Yes, vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. Side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary.
If your baby misses a vaccination, don’t panic. Consult your paediatrician for a catch-up schedule to ensure your baby receives the missed vaccines.
Yes, the typhoid vaccine can sometimes cause a mild fever in babies as a normal immune response. This is temporary and usually resolves within 1-2 days.
