Shalom Medical Team
Shalom Hospital
Complete Age-Wise Baby Immunization Chart for Parents
Reviewed by Pediatricians | Updated for 2026
Bringing a newborn home is one of life’s happiest moments. It is also the beginning of an important responsibility—protecting your child against serious infectious diseases.
Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective medical interventions ever developed. It helps a baby’s immune system recognize and fight dangerous bacteria and viruses before they can cause severe illness.
In India, two vaccination schedules are commonly followed:
- The Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides essential vaccines free of cost through government health facilities.
- The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Immunization Schedule, which includes additional vaccines recommended by pediatric specialists for broader protection.
This guide explains both schedules in simple language so parents understand which vaccines are given, when they are given, and why they are important.
Why Are Vaccines Important?
Babies are born with immature immune systems. During the first few years of life, they are especially vulnerable to infections that can cause:
- Brain infections
- Pneumonia
- Severe diarrhea
- Paralysis
- Liver disease
- Hearing loss
- Permanent disability
- Death
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize these diseases before the child is exposed naturally.
Because vaccination protects not only your own child but also vulnerable members of the community, it contributes to herd immunity, reducing disease spread.
Age-Wise Vaccination Schedule (2026)
At Birth (within 24 hours)
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| BCG | Tuberculosis (TB) |
| Hepatitis B (Birth Dose) | Hepatitis B infection |
| OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine) | Polio |
Why these are important
The Hepatitis B birth dose is most effective when given within the first 24 hours after birth. It significantly reduces the risk of chronic liver infection later in life. BCG helps protect infants from severe forms of tuberculosis, including TB meningitis.
6 Weeks
Most babies receive combination vaccines during this visit.
Typical vaccines include:
- Pentavalent-1 (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hib)
- IPV-1 (Injectable Polio)
- OPV-1
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)-1
10 Weeks
Second doses of:
- Pentavalent-2
- OPV-2
- IPV (depending on schedule)
- Rotavirus-2
- PCV-2
14 Weeks
Third doses of:
- Pentavalent-3
- OPV-3
- IPV
- Rotavirus
- PCV (where applicable)
These first three months are extremely important because several vaccines require multiple doses to build strong immunity.
6 Months
Depending on your pediatrician’s advice:
- Influenza (Flu) vaccine (annual)
- Additional doses if indicated
Influenza vaccination is especially recommended for babies with chronic illnesses or those attending daycare.
6–9 Months
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (IAP recommendation)
9 Months
Vaccines generally include:
- Measles-Rubella (MR) under UIP
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) in many private practices
- Vitamin A supplementation (Government programme)
Measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases. Vaccination dramatically reduces the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
12 Months
Recommended vaccines may include:
- Hepatitis A (1st dose)
- Additional vaccines depending on your pediatrician’s schedule
12–15 Months
Commonly recommended:
- PCV Booster
- MMR Second Dose
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
16–18 Months
Booster vaccines include:
- DTP Booster
- Hib Booster
- IPV Booster
- OPV Booster (Government schedule)
Boosters help maintain immunity that naturally decreases over time.
18–24 Months
Depending on the vaccination plan:
- Hepatitis A (Second dose if required)
- Additional boosters
4–6 Years
Children usually receive boosters for:
- DTP
- IPV
- MMR
- Varicella (if not completed)
These vaccines prepare children before school entry, where exposure to infections increases.
Government (UIP) vs IAP Schedule
| Government UIP | IAP Schedule |
| Free through government health centres | Usually available at private hospitals |
| Covers essential vaccines | Includes additional vaccines for broader protection |
| National public health programme | Individual child-focused recommendations |
| Excellent protection against major diseases | Expanded protection against additional infections |
Neither schedule is “wrong.”
Many parents choose the IAP schedule because it includes vaccines such as:
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A
- Varicella
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
Your pediatrician can help determine which schedule best suits your child.
What Happens if a Vaccine Dose is Missed?
Missing one dose does not usually mean the vaccination series must start over.
Most vaccines have catch-up schedules that allow children to continue where they left off.
If your child has missed any vaccine:
- Do not panic.
- Contact your pediatrician.
- Resume vaccination as early as possible.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Yes.
Vaccines used in India undergo extensive clinical testing and continuous safety monitoring before approval.
Like all medicines, they can cause mild side effects, including:
- Pain at the injection site
- Mild swelling
- Low-grade fever
- Fussiness
- Sleepiness
These symptoms usually resolve within one or two days.
Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare, and vaccination centres are trained to manage them promptly.
Caring for Your Baby After Vaccination
After immunization:
- Continue breastfeeding or regular feeding.
- Allow your baby to rest.
- Give fever medicine only if advised by your doctor.
- Keep the injection site clean.
- Do not massage the injection area vigorously.
Seek medical attention immediately if your baby develops:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent high fever
- Continuous crying lasting several hours
- Convulsions
- Severe allergic reaction
- Extreme lethargy
These reactions are uncommon but require urgent evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my baby receive multiple vaccines on the same day?
Yes. Giving several vaccines during one visit is common practice and is considered safe. Combination vaccines also reduce the number of injections.
Can vaccines overload my baby’s immune system?
No.
A baby’s immune system encounters thousands of germs every day. Vaccines expose the immune system to only a tiny fraction of those antigens and do not weaken immunity.
Should vaccination be delayed if my baby has a mild cold?
Usually not.
A mild cold, cough, or low-grade fever is generally not a reason to postpone vaccination. Your pediatrician will determine whether any illness requires delaying a vaccine.
Is vaccination necessary if other children are vaccinated?
Yes.
Vaccination protects your own child directly. Community protection cannot guarantee that an unvaccinated child will never be exposed to disease.
Should premature babies receive vaccines?
Yes.
Most premature infants follow the same vaccination schedule based on chronological age, unless the neonatologist recommends otherwise.
Tips for Parents
- Keep your child’s vaccination card safe.
- Schedule the next appointment before leaving the clinic.
- Set reminders on your phone.
- Inform the doctor about previous vaccine reactions.
- Carry the vaccination record to every hospital visit.
Final Thoughts
Vaccination is one of the greatest investments you can make in your child’s future health. By following the recommended immunization schedule, you help protect your baby from diseases that once caused significant illness and death in children.
Whether you follow the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme or the more comprehensive Indian Academy of Pediatrics schedule, the most important step is ensuring vaccines are given on time.
If you have any questions about your baby’s vaccination schedule, consult your pediatrician. Every child is unique, and your doctor can recommend the most appropriate immunization plan based on your baby’s age, health, and medical history.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Vaccination schedules may vary based on your child’s health, vaccine availability, regional recommendations, or updates issued by health authorities. Always consult a qualified pediatrician before making decisions regarding your child’s immunization.