Baby Immunization Schedule in India (0–5 Years): Complete 2026 Vaccination Chart

You just brought your baby home, and honestly it's a lot. There's feeding, sleeping (or the complete lack of it), a thousand WhatsApp messages from relatives, and somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, your paediatrician hands you a little yellow card and says, "Don't lose this." That yellow card is your baby's vaccination record and if you've ever stared at it wondering what "DTwP" or "PCV booster" means, you're not alone.

This guide breaks down the complete baby immunization schedule in India from birth to 5 years, in plain, simple language.

What Is the National Immunization Schedule in India?

The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) is the government's official vaccination plan for every child born in India. It's run under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), one of the largest public health programmes in the world and it covers essential vaccines completely free of cost at government hospitals, Anganwadi centres (government-run childcare and health centres found in almost every village and neighbourhood across India), and PHCs (Primary Health Centres).

There's a second, more comprehensive schedule published by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). This one includes additional vaccines beyond what the government provides, vaccines that private paediatricians typically recommend for broader protection.

Many parents in India follow a mix of both, depending on budget and access.

Quick Distinction:

1. UIP Schedule = Free, government-backed, covers core diseases.
2. IAP Schedule = Expanded, recommended by paediatricians, includes extra vaccines available at private clinics.
   
   

Complete Baby Vaccination Chart in India (From Birth to 5 Years)

This is the combined schedule covering both the UIP government vaccines and IAP recommended private vaccines so you have a full picture in one place.

Sources Used for This Vaccination Schedule:

• Official Framework: MoHFW National Immunization Schedule (NIS)
• Clinical Updates: Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) ACVIP Guidelines via PubMed Central

Note:

• DTwP = Whole-cell Pertussis (free at govt. hospitals)
• DTaP = Acellular/Painless Pertussis
• MMR = Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• PCV = Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
• Hib = Haemophilus influenzae type b
• TCV = Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
• IPV = Injectable Polio Vaccine
  
  

UIP vs. IAP: Which Vaccination Route Is Right for Your Baby?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask their paediatricians and the answer is simpler than you'd think.

UIP (Universal Immunization Programme) route is excellent. It's government-approved, completely free, and covers the most critical diseases like polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, and rubella. Every child in India has the right to receive these.

IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) route goes a step further as it recommends additional vaccines like PCV (for pneumonia), Rotavirus (for severe diarrhoea), Hepatitis A, Chickenpox, Influenza, and Typhoid all of which provide broader, more comprehensive protection.

Our honest take: If budget allows, following the IAP-recommended schedule gives your baby the most complete protection available in India today. If private vaccines aren't affordable right now, please don't skip UIP vaccines. They protect against truly dangerous diseases and are just as safe and effective.

What Vaccines Are Free Under the UIP? (Government Hospital Schedule)

India's Universal Immunization Programme is one of the most extensive public health systems in the world. Here's what your baby can get completely free at your nearest government hospital, PHC, or Anganwadi centre:

• BCG - Protects against Tuberculosis (TB), given right at birth.
  
• OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) - Multiple doses to eradicate Polio.
  
• Hepatitis B - Shields the liver from the Hepatitis B virus (3-dose series).
  
• DTwP - One shot protecting against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis).
  
• Measles/MR Vaccine - Covers Measles and Rubella.
  
• JE Vaccine (Japanese Encephalitis) - Available in specific states where JE is endemic.
  
• Vitamin A supplements - Given alongside vaccines to support overall immunity.
  
• IPV (Injectable Polio Vaccine) - Now being introduced in many states under UIP.

You can track your baby's UIP vaccination schedule online through the MoHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) Portal or the eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) Platform.

Optional but Recommended: Vaccines Available at Private Clinics in India

These vaccines aren't part of the free government programme but many paediatricians will recommend them because they cover illnesses that are genuinely common and can be severe in young babies. Here's the complete list with what each one actually does:

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - Protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacteria that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections in babies. Given at 6, 10, 14 weeks, with a booster at 15 months.
  
  
• Rotavirus Vaccine - Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in infants worldwide. This oral vaccine (these are drops, not a shot) is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
  
  
• Hepatitis A Vaccine - Protects against the Hepatitis A virus, which spreads through contaminated food and water. Two doses administered at least 6 months apart, beginning at 12 months of age.
  
  
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine - Yes, chickenpox can be more than just itchy spots as it can lead to serious bacterial infections, pneumonia, and hospitalisation in young children. Two doses: at 12–15 months and a booster at 4–5 years.
  
  
• Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) - Typhoid is unfortunately very common in India. The IAP recommends starting TCV early, around 9–12 months, for long-term single-dose protection, not just at 2 years as older schedules suggested. A booster follows every 3 years.
  
  
• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine - An annual shot recommended from 6 months onwards. The flu virus mutates every year, which is why this one is repeated annually. Especially important for babies in daycare or with older siblings in school.
  
  
• MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) - While the government's MR vaccine covers Measles and Rubella at 9 months, the IAP recommends the full MMR vaccine (which also covers Mumps) at 9 months, with a 2nd dose at 15 months. Ask your paediatrician about this.
  
  
• MMRV Vaccine - A combination vaccine that covers Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (Chickenpox) in a single shot.
  
  
• IPV (Injectable Polio Vaccine) - An injectable polio vaccine that provides strong protection against paralytic polio and is increasingly recommended alongside OPV for broader protection.

Tip from us: Don't feel pressured to do everything at once. Do consult with your paediatrician and plan a vaccination schedule based on your baby's age, health, and your budget and while you're building that routine, it helps to pair good vaccination habits with good everyday baby wellness habits too.

What's the Deal with Painless Vaccines and the 6-in-1 Shot?

A lot of parents Google this and with good reason. DTaP (version of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine) is commonly referred to as a 'painless vaccine' because it generally causes fewer local reactions, fever, and swelling compared with DTwP. It uses acellular pertussis (the "aP" in DTaP), which causes significantly less redness, swelling, and fever compared to the DTwP whole-cell version that's free at government hospitals.

The 6-in-1 combination vaccine (also called Hexavalent vaccine) combines DTaP + IPV + Hib + Hepatitis B into a single injection. That means instead of 4–5 separate shots at the 6, 10, and 14-week visits, your baby gets just one.

Benefits of the 6-in-1 shot:

• Fewer needle pricks per visit (less crying for baby and you).
• Acellular pertussis means milder post-vaccine reactions.
• Same protection, just more convenient.

Honest reality: It costs more. But many parents, especially those in urban areas are willing to pay for the reduced discomfort. Talk to your doctor about whether it makes sense for your situation.

A Closer Look at Vaccines at Key Milestones (Important Accuracy Notes)

At 6 Months, it's Not Just Hepatitis B

The older version of this schedule listed only the Hepatitis B 3rd dose at 6 months. But according to IAP guidelines, two more things may happen around this time:

• OPV-4 [Oral Polio Vaccine (Dose 4)] may be given as an additional oral polio dose in some protocols.
  
  
• Influenza vaccine (1st dose) is recommended from 6 months onwards, given as two doses one month apart in the first year, then once annually after that.

If your baby is around 6 months old, ask your paediatrician specifically about the flu shot. Especially important if your baby attends daycare or has older siblings who go to school.

At 9 Months, UIP vs. IAP Makes a Real Difference Here

Under the UIP (Universal Immunization Programme), your baby gets the MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine at 9 months.

Under the IAP schedule (Indian Academy of Pediatrics), your paediatrician may recommend the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) at 9 months instead which adds protection against Mumps.

Also, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is increasingly being administered between 9–12 months under IAP guidelines for early, long-term protection rather than waiting until age 2 as some older schedules suggest.

What this means for you: The 9-month visit is arguably the most important one to have a detailed conversation with your paediatrician. Two different schedules, two different recommendations, your doctor will guide you based on what's right for your child.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Vaccine Date?

Missing a dose happens to almost every parent but the good news is that you don't have to start over. Most vaccine series have what's called a "catch-up schedule," and your paediatrician will simply pick up from where you left off.

But here's what to keep in mind:

• Go as soon as you remember. The longer the gap, the longer your baby is unprotected.
  
  
• Never double up on doses without your doctor's guidance. More is not always better with vaccines.
  
  
• Bring the yellow card (Mother & Child Protection Card) to every appointment, even if you think you remember everything.
  
  
• Set phone reminders for upcoming vaccine dates. Calendar apps, reminder apps, even a sticky note on the fridge whatever works for you.

Remember this: A delayed vaccine is still a working vaccine. Your baby can still be fully protected even if the timing wasn't perfect.

Essential Tips for Parents: Managing Post-Vaccination Side Effects

Here's the thing nobody warns you about, the 24 hours after a vaccine can be rough. Your baby might be cranky (unusually fussy, irritable, and crying more than usual), feverish, or have a sore little arm. This is completely normal and actually a good sign.

What's normal after a vaccine:

• Mild to moderate fever (especially after DTwP)
  
• Redness, swelling, or a small bump at the injection site
  
• Fussiness and crying
  
• Sleepiness or reduced appetite

What to do:

• Give paracetamol (Calpol/Tylenol) if your doctor has recommended it for fever, do not give aspirin to babies.
  
• Breastfeed or cuddle more than usual, it genuinely helps with pain and comfort. Keeping a few gentle, natural baby care essentials handy at home also makes those post-vaccine hours a little easier.
  
• Apply a cool, clean cloth (not ice) to the injection site if it's red and sore.
  
• Keep them hydrated.

When to call your doctor immediately:

• Fever above 104°F (40°C)
  
• Continuous crying lasting more than 3 hours
  
• A seizure or convulsion
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Unusual rashes or severe swelling beyond the injection site
  
  

Don't skip vaccines because of a mild cold or runny nose. Most paediatricians will still go ahead with vaccination if the illness is minor. Always check with your doctor rather than deciding on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Vaccination in India

Q1. Is the vaccination schedule the same for boys and girls?

Yes. The immunization schedule is identical for both. No vaccine is gender-specific (except HPV, which is recommended for girls from age 9 onwards but that's beyond the 0–5 age range covered here).

Q2. Are government hospital vaccines as safe as private clinic vaccines?

Absolutely. All vaccines administered at government hospitals are approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and meet international safety standards. The main difference is the type of pertussis component - whole-cell (DTwP) vs. acellular (DTaP) and the availability of certain additional vaccines.

Q3. Can my baby get vaccinated if they have a fever?

A mild fever or slight sniffles is usually fine but always check with your paediatrician first. A high fever (above 101°F), ongoing infection, or serious illness generally means postponing the vaccine until your baby has recovered.

Q4. My baby cried for a long time after the shot. Is that normal? 

Yes. Especially after the DTwP injection, which is known to cause more discomfort. Persistent crying for up to a few hours is common. Cuddle them, breastfeed if you can, and it'll usually settle. If the crying continues beyond 3 hours, or your baby seems really unwell, call your doctor.

Q5. What is the Mother & Child Protection Card, and why is it so important? 

It's the small yellow booklet you receive at the hospital when your baby is born. It records every vaccine your baby has received, along with dates and due dates for the next dose. Keep it safe, some schools and government programmes require it for admission.

Q6. What's the difference between OPV and IPV?

IPV (Injectable Polio Vaccine) is the injected version and provides strong protection against paralytic polio. OPV provides stronger intestinal (mucosal) immunity and helps reduce virus transmission. Many paediatricians recommend using both for optimal protection.

Q7. Is the Typhoid vaccine really needed so early?

This is a great question. Older typhoid vaccines (like the Vi-polysaccharide vaccine) couldn't be given before age 2 because they didn't work well in young immune systems. The newer Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) has changed all of that, it's effective from 6 months and provides long-lasting protection which is exactly why the IAP now recommends it from 9–12 months.