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The vaccination process begins from birth and continues in infants and early childhood of Indian babies. Parents can find vaccination planning much easier if they know what immunizations are recommended in India’s National Immunization Schedule, what vaccines may be recommended by private providers, and where to check the latest recommendations. Vaccines are offered under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) by the Government health services and Pediatricians can recommend extra vaccines in line with the latest guidelines of the IAP and the child’s personal protection needs.
Remember, vaccine programs can vary and some may be based on age, health, where the child lives and past shots. Please always check with a qualified pediatrician or health service any current schedule.
Understanding Baby Vaccination in India
Vaccination helps prevent babies and children from suffering from a number of dangerous diseases. The government schedule starts from birth and offers protection at certain ages when young children are at their most vulnerable.
As per National Immunisation Schedule, new-borns are immunised against BCG, Hepatitis B birth dose and OPV-0. Additional routine vaccines at the 6, 10 and 14 week check-ups, and vaccines/boosters at older childhood visits.
Simplified National Immunization Schedule
| Age | Vaccines included in the national program |
| Birth | BCG, Hepatitis B birth dose, OPV-0 |
| 6 weeks | OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus-1, fIPV-1, PCV-1* |
| 10 weeks | OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, Rotavirus-2 |
| 14 weeks | OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, fIPV-2, Rotavirus-3, PCV-2* |
| 9–12 months | MR-1, JE-1**, PCV booster* |
| 16–24 months | MR-2, JE-2**, DPT booster-1, OPV booster |
| 5–6 years | DPT booster-2 |
| 10 years | Td |
| 16 years | Td |
Certain vaccines may be available under UIP only in certain areas and under certain program implementation.
JE vaccine is used in the appropriate districts of endemicity. This table is an overview of vaccinations, not a specific vaccination prescription.
Where to Find the Official Immunization Schedule
The parents should not just trust information sent through a post on social media or a pre-existing vaccination chart, due to changing recommendations.
Useful sources include:
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India
- National Health Mission
- UNICEF India
- Institutes of Indians including Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).
- Your child’s doctor or vaccination centre.
The National Immunization Schedule is published by the National Health Mission and the UNICEF India has an explanation of the schedule and individual vaccines for parents.
The IAP ACVIP 2025 schedule, a professional resource published in 2026, is another important professional reference for the latest clinical recommendations. The update includes new recommendations on HPV vaccination for certain age groups and RSV prevention, as well as updates on trivalent influenza vaccines. Recommended external authority:
To understand the National Immunisation Programme in India.
The government vaccination programme is aimed at delivering routine immunisation to eligible beneficiaries, is known as the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
The program covers vaccines against TB, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, Hib disease, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease and measles-rubella for babies and young children and also Japanese encephalitis in epidemic areas where the disease occurs.
An advantage for parents is access via public healthcare facilities. Specific services and vaccines offered may differ by state and program provision.
Vaccines Recommended Under Official Programs
The national programme must not be assumed to be the same as the paediatric recommendations.
National Immunization Schedule is vaccines given under the public immunization programme in India. Current clinical evidence and age and individual circumstances may result in recommendations for other vaccines or different recommendations being added to the IAP. This is an example showing why parents should not rely on an old chart – the new IAP guidance published in 2026 shows why.
| Vaccine/program example | Why parents may see it on a schedule |
| BCG | Protection against severe childhood forms of TB |
| Hepatitis B | Protection against hepatitis B infection |
| OPV/IPV | Protection against polio |
| Pentavalent | Combines protection against five diseases |
| Rotavirus | Helps prevent severe rotavirus disease |
| PCV | Helps protect against pneumococcal disease |
| MR | Protection against measles and rubella |
| JE | Used in relevant endemic areas |
Parents should not make decisions to add, omit or substitute vaccines because of an online table. The child’s doctor needs to check the timing.
Government and Private Healthcare Providers
There are two general vaccination routes that parents can face in India.
Government vaccination
Vaccines covered by the public immunization program are offered through government facilities following the immunization schedule. Parents can inquire from their local government health care facility regarding availability and days of vaccination.
Private vaccination
The government schedule may be provided by private pediatricians or hospitals, and may also suggest other vaccines, depending on the child’s age, medical history, and other factors, in consultation with the IAP.
This explains why two vaccination cards might not be identical.
| Government pathway | Private pathway |
| Based on UIP/National Immunization Schedule | May follow IAP recommendations |
| Many program vaccines are provided through public facilities | Vaccines are generally paid for by families |
| Availability can vary by state/program | Availability depends on provider |
| Uses the government vaccination record | Provider may maintain an additional clinic record |
| Focuses on the national program | May include additional recommended vaccines |
The distinction between UIP and IAP recommendations is also highlighted by current pediatric guidance and major hospital resources.
Keeping Your Child’s Vaccination Records
A vaccination record is one of the most useful documents a parent can maintain.
Keep a record of:
- Child’s name and date of birth
- Vaccine name
- Dose number
- Date administered
- Healthcare facility
- Vaccinator or doctor’s details when available
- Next scheduled dose
- Any relevant notes
Bring the vaccination card to all visits. A secure digital picture or copy of a photograph can also be stored as back-up.
Don’t assume that a missed dose means the vaccination series has to be retaken. UNICEF India recommends that delay in vaccination should be dealt with as soon as possible and that the series is not generally recommended to be restarted due to delay. A healthcare professional will be able to decide on the catch-up plan.
How to Confirm Current Vaccination Recommendations
Follow this easy checklist before your baby’s next vaccination visit:
- Look at the child’s immunisation record.
- Check the child’s age.
- Check doses given.
- Refer to an official or professional medical source.
- Inquire about missed doses or delayed doses with the pediatrician.
- Check if there are any program recommendations in your state/district.
- Ask if there’s any more vaccine recommended and why.
- This is a safer way than copying a vaccination chart from an old blog post.
The new IAP ACVIP guidelines are particularly relevant to vaccines not included on the government’s routine schedule, for 2026.
When to Speak With a Pediatrician
Speak with your child’s pediatrician if:
- Not sure which vaccination is needed.
- A vaccination shot was not given.
- Your child had an immunisation at another clinic.
- Card for vaccines has been misplaced.
- Your child has a long-term medical condition or needs to take regular medicines.
- Your child has had a reaction to a vaccination that was large.
- Not sure if extra vaccine is needed.
- You are travelling and want to know if and when vaccinations are recommended.
A completed record of vaccinations is not required for an important vaccination to be delayed. A doctor or vaccination provider can assist in building up the history and find out what to do next.
Baby Vaccination in India: Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | What parents can do |
| Missed appointment | Contact the pediatrician or vaccination centre and ask about catch-up vaccination |
| Lost vaccination card | Contact previous providers and government health facilities to reconstruct records |
| Unsure about next dose | Check the card and confirm with the pediatrician |
| Government/private schedules look different | Ask which schedule is being followed and why |
| Moved to another city | Take all existing vaccination records to the new provider |
| Online charts show different dates | Use the current official/professional recommendation and your child’s record |
UNICEF specifically recommends that parents get assistance from health care professionals when doses have been missed and that vaccination restarts from the missed dose and not the beginning of the course.
FAQs About Baby Vaccination in India
What vaccines does a baby receive when he or she is born in India?
The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) provides BCG, Hepatitis B birth dose, OPV-0 for babies.
Does the government’s immunization schedule match the private schedule?
Not necessarily. Private pediatricians are permitted to provide immunizations other than those provided by the government program, as recommended by the IAP. Your child’s pediatrician can give you information about the differences.
If my baby misses a vaccine, what will happen?
Contact health care provider immediately. A missed dose does not necessarily require restarting the vaccination series.
In which website do I find India’s vaccination schedule?
Parents can refer to the official government health resources, UNICEF health facts, IAP recommendations, and their child’s vaccination status.
Is it necessary to follow a vaccination program as outlined in an online chart?
The information on an online chart may give you a general idea of the schedule, but nothing beats your child’s vaccination card, or the guidance of an educated paediatric physician.
Conclusion
Parents may find Baby Vaccination in India confusing as they may see various vaccination plans from government immunization programmes, pediatric clinics, or other organizations. It’s best to maintain your child’s immunization records up to date, be aware of the difference between UIP and IAP suggestions, and always ask a trained healthcare provider if there are any changes.
In 2026, it will be helpful to explain the distinction between government vaccination services and other childhood immunisation recommendations, since a large number of simple vaccination-chart pages don’t.
Sameena Begum
Sameena Begum reviews content for clarity, accuracy and reader usefulness. Her review process helps ensure that published information is clearly presented, relevant and easy for readers to understand.
Syeda Yasmeen
Syeda Yasmeen is a Health & Wellness Writer at InHumanBeing.com. She creates clear and reader-focused content across health, nutrition, wellness, women’s health, men’s health and babies’ health.
