Childhood Vaccination in India: Which Vaccines, When, and Why They Matter

Immunisation is one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions ever developed. Vaccines have eliminated smallpox, brought polio to the brink of eradication, and prevented millions of childhood deaths from diseases like diphtheria, measles, and tetanus. Yet in India, full immunisation coverage remains below 80% — meaning millions of children remain unprotected against preventable diseases.

This guide is for every parent, grandparent, ASHA worker, and caregiver who wants to understand what vaccines protect Indian children, when they should be given, and why missing doses has real consequences.

India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)

The UIP provides free vaccines against 12 diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, rotavirus diarrhoea, measles, rubella, and Japanese encephalitis (in select districts).

The Immunisation Schedule at a Glance

• At birth: BCG (tuberculosis), OPV-0, Hepatitis B (birth dose)
• 6 weeks: DPT-1, OPV-1, Hepatitis B-1, Hib-1, Rotavirus-1, PCV-1
• 10 weeks: DPT-2, OPV-2, Hib-2, Rotavirus-2, PCV-2
• 14 weeks: DPT-3, OPV-3, Hib-3, Rotavirus-3, PCV-3, IPV
• 9 months: Measles-Rubella (MR-1), Vitamin A (first dose)
• 16–24 months: DPT booster, OPV booster, MR-2, JE (in endemic districts)
• 5–6 years: DPT booster
• 10 and 16 years: Td booster

Common Myths That Prevent Vaccination

• “Vaccines cause fever — they are harmful.” Mild fever after vaccination is a normal immune response, not a sign of harm. It typically resolves in 24–48 hours with paracetamol.
• “My child looks healthy — they don’t need vaccines.” Vaccines protect before exposure. By the time a child looks sick with measles or diphtheria, it may be too late.
• “Natural immunity is better.” Natural infection with diseases like measles or pertussis carries a significant risk of death, brain damage, and severe complications. Vaccine-induced immunity is safer.
• “So many vaccines at once will overwhelm the baby’s immune system.” An infant’s immune system handles thousands of antigens daily. Vaccine antigens are a tiny fraction of this.

What to Do If Doses Are Missed

It is never too late to catch up. India follows a “catch-up” immunisation policy. Visit your nearest PHC, urban health centre, or ASHA worker to get back on track. The important thing is to complete the schedule — not to restart from the beginning.

Keep your child’s immunisation card safe — it is their vaccination record and may be required for school admission.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Consult your child’s paediatrician or nearest health facility for personalised vaccination advice.