The childhood vaccination schedule

The immunisation schedule looks intimidating written down — a grid of abbreviations and ages. In practice it's a handful of visits in the first two years, then a few boosters. Here's what's happening and why.

Why timing matters

Babies are born with some antibodies passed from their mother, but that protection fades over the first few months. Vaccines are scheduled to build the child's own immunity precisely as the borrowed protection wears off — which is why the early doses cluster at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.

Multiple doses of the same vaccine aren't repetition. Each one raises the immune response higher and makes it last longer. A partially vaccinated child is only partially protected.

The schedule at a glance

This follows the Indian Academy of Paediatrics guidance. Exact brands and combinations vary between clinics, which is why your child's own card is the document that matters.

Age	Vaccines usually given
At birth	BCG, Hepatitis B (first dose), Oral polio (zero dose)
6 weeks	DTP, IPV, Hep B, Hib, Rotavirus, PCV
10 weeks	Second doses of the above
14 weeks	Third doses of the above
6 months	Hepatitis B, Oral polio; influenza may be advised
9 months	Measles-Rubella / MMR (first dose)
9–12 months	Typhoid conjugate vaccine
12 months	Hepatitis A (first dose)
15 months	MMR (second dose), Varicella, PCV booster
16–18 months	DTP booster, IPV, Hib booster
18–19 months	Hepatitis A (second dose), Varicella (second dose)
4–6 years	DTP booster, MMR third dose, Varicella
9–14 years	HPV vaccine — for girls and boys
10–12 years	Tdap booster

If you've missed a dose

This is far more common than parents expect, and it's fixable. The important point: you almost never need to start again from the beginning. The schedule can be caught up from wherever you are, using the minimum intervals between doses.

Bring the card in and we'll work out a catch-up plan. Don't let embarrassment about a long gap delay it further — a late vaccine protects far better than a skipped one.

Side effects and what's normal

Most reactions are mild and settle within a day or two:

• Soreness, redness or a small lump where the injection was given
• Mild fever for 24–48 hours
• Irritability, poor feeding or extra sleepiness
• A small scar or discharge at the BCG site over several weeks — this is expected

Paracetamol at the correct weight-based dose helps fever and soreness. A cool compress settles a sore injection site.

Call promptly if there's a fever above 40°C, persistent inconsolable crying beyond three hours, a seizure, unusual floppiness, or any swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. Serious reactions are rare, but they need to be seen.

Before you come in

Feed your baby beforehand, dress them in something with easy access to the thighs and upper arms, and bring the card. A mild cold or runny nose without fever is not a reason to postpone. Do let us know if your child is on steroids, has a weakened immune system, or has reacted badly to a previous dose.

Vaccinations for both children and adults are available at the clinic — including tetanus, influenza, hepatitis and HPV.