The vaccination schedule for baby in India starts at birth with BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV vaccines. Additional vaccines are given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, followed by doses at 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. Following the recommended schedule helps protect babies from serious diseases during the first two years of life.
Every parent wants to keep their baby safe and healthy. Vaccination protects children from serious diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B by providing protection at the age when the risk of infection is highest.
At Vardaan Hospital, Ranchi, our paediatricians regularly guide parents through their baby's vaccination journey, from birth doses to booster vaccinations. This guide covers everything you need to know — which vaccines are given, at what age, and why they matter, based on current vaccination recommendations, guidance from organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), and common questions from parents.
Vaccines help your baby's immune system recognise and fight serious diseases without causing the illness itself. They protect during the early years of life, when children are most vulnerable to infections.
The baby vaccination schedule in India is designed by medical experts to ensure vaccines are given at the right age for maximum protection. Delaying or missing doses can increase the risk of preventable diseases.
India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) provides essential vaccines free of charge through government health centres. In addition, the IAP vaccination schedule 2026 includes recommended vaccines that offer broader protection against several childhood illnesses.
The vaccination schedule for baby in India includes vaccines given at birth and at key milestones during the first two years of life.
| Age | Key Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, OPV 0, Hepatitis B |
| 6–14 Weeks | DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Rotavirus, PCV, Hepatitis B |
| 6 Months | OPV, Influenza |
| 9 Months | MMR, OPV Booster |
| 12 Months | Hepatitis A, Varicella |
| 15–18 Months | MMR, Varicella, PCV, DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib Boosters |
| 2 Years | Hepatitis A, Typhoid |
| 5 Years | DTwP/DTaP Booster, OPV Booster, Typhoid Booster |
This baby vaccine chart India is based on the IAP recommended schedule. Always confirm with your child's doctor as individual recommendations may vary.
Vaccination is only one part of healthy development. Proper nutrition also plays an important role in your baby's growth, immunity, and overall health during the first year of life. Parents can also read our guide on the role of nutrition in baby growth during the first year.
At Vardaan Hospital, we commonly see parents miss booster doses or lose vaccination records. Keeping your child's vaccination card safe and attending follow-up visits helps ensure complete protection.
BCG Vaccine for Newborn
The BCG vaccine for newborn babies protects against tuberculosis (TB), a serious infection that remains common in India. It is usually given within the first few days after birth as an injection in the upper arm. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe forms of TB, including TB meningitis.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Newborn
The hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth, 6 weeks, and 14 weeks. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can spread from mother to baby during childbirth. The birth dose is especially important and should be given within 24 hours of delivery to provide early protection.
OPV Zero Dose
The oral polio vaccine is given as drops at birth. The polio vaccine schedule India follows gives multiple doses to make sure every child is fully protected. India was declared polio-free in 2014, and regular vaccination is what keeps it that way.
This is the busiest period in the vaccination schedule for baby in India. Multiple vaccines are given together at these visits:
DTwP or DTaP protects against diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), and tetanus — three serious diseases that used to kill thousands of children every year.
IPV is the injectable polio vaccine, given alongside the oral drops as part of the complete polio vaccine schedule India recommends.
Hib protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which causes pneumonia and meningitis in young children.
Rotavirus vaccine protects against the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in babies, which can cause dangerous dehydration very quickly in infants.
PCV or pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections caused by a common bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The measles vaccine age India recommends for the first dose is 9 months, with a second dose at 15 months. Measles is still one of the leading causes of child deaths in India, and two doses of the MMR vaccine give over 97% protection.
The national immunisation schedule India is the government's free programme under UIP, which covers the most essential vaccines. The IAP schedule includes additional vaccines like PCV, rotavirus, Hib, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis A which provide broader protection but may need to be paid for privately.
Doctors generally recommend following the IAP schedule for complete protection. Talk to a paediatrician to understand which vaccines your baby has already received and which ones may be due.
Many parents worry when their baby develops fever after vaccination. This is actually a normal response and usually means the vaccine is working.
Fever after vaccination typically appears within 12 to 24 hours and usually lasts one to two days. It is generally mild, below 101°F, and can be managed with paracetamol drops at the right dose for your baby's weight.
You should call your doctor if the fever is above 103°F, lasts more than two days, your baby is very irritable or not feeding, or there is unusual swelling or redness at the injection site beyond a small lump.
Most babies recover completely within one to two days. Frequent fever episodes occurring weeks or months later are usually unrelated to vaccination. If your child experiences frequent unexplained fevers, read our guide on recurrent fever in children.
Keep your baby's vaccination card safe and bring it to every visit. Never skip a dose, if you miss a vaccine, talk to your paediatrician as soon as possible to catch up. Dress your baby in comfortable, loose clothes so the injection site is easy to reach. Hold your baby close during the injection, your presence reduces their stress. After the vaccine, keep your baby comfortable and watch for any unusual reactions in the next 24 to 48 hours.
What is the first vaccine given to a newborn baby in India?
The BCG vaccine for newborn babies and the birth dose of hepatitis B are the first vaccines given, ideally within 24 hours of birth before leaving the hospital.
Is the baby vaccination schedule in India free?
The national immunisation schedule in India under the Universal Immunisation Programme provides essential vaccines free at government health centres. Some additional vaccines recommended by IAP may need to be taken privately.
Can all vaccines be given together?
Yes. Giving multiple vaccines at the same visit is safe and effective. It reduces the number of visits and ensures your baby is protected as quickly as possible.
What should I do if my baby misses a vaccine?
Do not restart the full schedule. Contact your paediatrician, who will advise on a catch-up schedule based on your baby's age and which doses were missed.
At what age is the measles vaccine given in India?
The measles vaccine age India recommends is 9 months for the first MMR dose and 15 months for the second dose, as part of the child vaccination schedule India.
The vaccination schedule for baby in India begins at birth and continues through early childhood, helping protect children from serious infectious diseases.
Keeping up with your baby's vaccinations is important for long-term health. If you need guidance on the vaccination schedule for baby in India or are looking for an experienced paediatrician in Ranchi, our team at Vardaan Hospital is here to help.
We offer complete newborn and child healthcare, vaccination guidance, and dedicated paediatric support for families across Ranchi and Jharkhand.
Call us: 📞 796 929 4525 Email: ✉️ [email protected] Visit us: 📍 Block Road, Kathi Tand Chowk, Ratu, Ranchi
Book your consultation today and give your baby the best possible start in life with timely, complete vaccination care.
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