Welcoming a newborn baby brings happiness, excitement and many new responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities for parents is protecting their baby’s health through timely vaccination. A newborn’s immune system is still developing, making protection against certain infectious diseases particularly important during early childhood. Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight specific infections, reducing the risk of serious illness.
Understanding the newborn vaccination schedule helps parents know which vaccines their baby needs, when each dose is due and how to prepare for vaccination appointments. In India, the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides recommended vaccines for infants and children at different ages. Vaccination begins at birth and continues through infancy and childhood.
This guide explains the newborn vaccination schedule in India, vaccines given at birth, the baby vaccination chart by age, common side effects and practical tips for parents.
Why Is Vaccination Important for Newborn Babies?
Vaccination is an important part of preventive healthcare. It helps protect babies against diseases that can sometimes cause severe complications, hospitalisation or long-term health problems.
Following the recommended infant immunisation schedule offers several benefits:
- Protection against infections: Vaccines help protect against diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis B, diphtheria and measles.
- Protection during early childhood: Timely vaccination helps build immunity while a baby’s immune system is developing.
- Reduced risk of severe illness: Vaccines reduce the risk of serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Better health monitoring: Regular vaccination visits give parents opportunities to discuss their baby’s growth, feeding and general health with a healthcare professional. Parents should also learn about common newborn problems and recognise symptoms that may require medical attention.
Vaccines should be given according to the recommended schedule. If your baby misses a dose, contact a paediatrician or immunisation centre for guidance on the appropriate catch-up schedule.
Newborn Vaccination Schedule in India
The Indian government’s Universal Immunization Programme recommends specific vaccines at birth, during the first few months and at later childhood milestones.
The following baby vaccination chart summarises the main stages of India’s national immunisation schedule. Always confirm the exact doses and dates with your baby’s vaccination card and healthcare professional.
| Baby’s Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B |
| 6 Weeks | OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, fIPV-1, Rotavirus-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, fIPV-3, PCV Booster, JE-1 (selected areas) |
| 16–24 Months | MR-2, DPT Booster-1, OPV Booster, JE-2 (selected areas) |
| 5–6 Years | DPT Booster-2 |
| 10 Years | Td Vaccine |
| 16 Years | Td Vaccine |
Important: This is a general summary of the national programme, not a personalised vaccination plan. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination is provided in designated areas. Additional vaccines may be recommended under private paediatric guidance. Vitamin A supplementation is also part of the child health programme at specified ages, but it is not a vaccine.
For the official schedule, see the [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Immunization Schedule](https://www.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Unit2NationalImmunizationSchedule.pdf).
Which Vaccines Are Given at Birth?
Three vaccines are scheduled at birth under India’s national immunisation programme: BCG, OPV-0 and the hepatitis B birth dose.
1. BCG Vaccine
The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine helps protect against severe forms of tuberculosis, particularly in children.
It is generally administered as an injection into the skin of the upper arm. A small bump or sore may develop at the injection site and can later leave a small scar.
If your baby did not receive the BCG vaccine at birth, ask a healthcare professional about the appropriate timing.
2. OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine)
OPV-0 is the birth dose of the oral polio vaccine. It helps protect against poliovirus, which can cause serious illness and paralysis.
The vaccine is administered by mouth. The zero dose is followed by routine doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.
3. Hepatitis B Birth Dose
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver infection and long-term liver disease.
The birth dose should be administered within 24 hours of birth. It is particularly important because hepatitis B can pass from an infected mother to her baby around the time of delivery.
If your baby has missed the recommended birth dose, contact your healthcare professional promptly for advice.
Vaccination at 6 Weeks
The six-week appointment is an important milestone in the vaccination schedule for newborn babies. Several vaccines are given at this stage to start building protection against multiple diseases.
Pentavalent Vaccine
The pentavalent vaccine protects against five diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease
Hib can cause serious infections, including meningitis and pneumonia.
Oral Polio Vaccine and Fractional IPV
The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is given by mouth. Fractional inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) is administered as an injection according to the national schedule.
These vaccines help build protection against polio.
Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in infants and young children. The rotavirus vaccine helps protect against serious rotavirus disease.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against certain infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including some cases of pneumonia and meningitis.
Keep your baby’s vaccination card updated so the healthcare provider can confirm the next due date.
Vaccination at 10 Weeks
At ten weeks, the national immunisation programme schedules the second doses of:
- OPV
- Pentavalent vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
These doses continue the protection started during the earlier vaccination appointment.
Parents should attend the scheduled visit even if their baby appeared well after the previous vaccinations. Each dose has a specific role in building protection.
Vaccination at 14 Weeks
The fourteen-week appointment includes several additional doses under the national programme:
- OPV-3
- Pentavalent-3
- Fractional IPV-2
- Rotavirus-3
- PCV-2
Together, these vaccines help build protection against several important childhood infections.
If you are unsure whether a vaccine has already been administered, show the vaccination card to the healthcare provider before the appointment. Do not rely only on memory when tracking doses.
Vaccines Given After the First Year
Vaccination continues after the newborn stage. Booster doses and additional vaccines help maintain protection as the child grows.
Vaccination at 9–12 Months
The national programme includes the first measles-rubella (MR-1) dose, the scheduled fractional IPV dose and the PCV booster. The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is also included in designated areas.
Measles and rubella are infectious diseases that can cause complications. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of these illnesses and their associated health problems.
Vitamin A supplementation is also scheduled at around nine months under the national child health programme. It is a supplement, not a vaccine.
Vaccination at 16–24 Months
This stage includes:
- MR-2
- DPT booster-1
- OPV booster
- JE-2 in designated areas
The healthcare professional will check the vaccination card and confirm which doses are due.
Vaccination During Later Childhood
The national schedule continues with DPT booster-2 at 5–6 years and Td doses at 10 and 16 years.
Parents should keep the child’s immunisation records safe and take them to future appointments.
What Is the Difference Between Government and Private Vaccination Schedules?
Parents may see different vaccine charts at government health centres and private paediatric clinics.
The Universal Immunization Programme provides vaccines included in India’s national schedule, generally free of charge at government immunisation facilities. Private paediatricians may recommend additional vaccines based on current clinical guidance, the child’s age, health and individual risk factors.
When discussing your baby’s vaccine schedule, ask the paediatrician:
- Which vaccines are included in the national programme?
- Are any additional vaccines recommended for my baby?
- When should each dose be given?
- Which vaccines have already been recorded?
- Will any vaccines involve a cost?
Do not assume that every vaccine in a private vaccination chart is part of the government programme. Your paediatrician can explain the appropriate options for your baby.
How Should Parents Prepare for Vaccination?
A little preparation can make vaccination appointments easier and help you maintain accurate records.
1. Carry the vaccination card: Bring your baby’s immunisation record to every appointment.
2. Check the due date: Confirm which vaccines are scheduled for that visit.
3. Share medical information: Tell the healthcare professional about previous serious allergic reactions, significant illnesses or other medical concerns.
4. Ask about expected reactions: Find out which side effects may occur and how to respond.
5. Confirm the next appointment: Before leaving, note the next vaccination date.
If your baby was born prematurely, has an underlying medical condition or is currently unwell, ask the paediatrician whether any special instructions apply.
Common Side Effects After Baby Vaccination
Most vaccine side effects are mild and temporary. The type of reaction depends on the vaccine and the individual baby.
Common reactions can include:
- Mild fever
- Redness, swelling or tenderness at an injection site
- Temporary fussiness or irritability
- A short-term change in appetite
Follow the healthcare professional’s advice for managing symptoms. Do not give medicines to a newborn without checking with a clinician about the appropriate medicine and dose.
Seek emergency medical help if your baby develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, becomes unresponsive or has another severe or rapidly worsening reaction.
For a baby younger than three months, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher requires prompt medical assessment. Do not assume that a fever is only a vaccine reaction.
What If Your Baby Misses a Vaccination?
If your baby misses a vaccination appointment, contact your paediatrician or local immunisation centre to arrange the next steps.
A missed appointment does not automatically mean the entire schedule must be restarted. The healthcare professional will review the baby’s age, previous doses and applicable guidelines to determine a suitable catch-up plan.
Some vaccines have specific age limits, so seek advice rather than delaying further.
Keep your baby’s vaccination card updated after every appointment. Accurate records make it easier to track completed vaccines and identify upcoming doses.
Conclusion
Following the newborn vaccination schedule in India helps parents plan essential immunisation appointments from birth through infancy and childhood. The first vaccines are BCG, OPV-0 and the hepatitis B birth dose. Further doses are scheduled at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, followed by additional vaccinations and boosters as the child grows.
Keep your baby’s vaccination card updated, attend appointments on time and consult a qualified paediatrician if a dose is missed or you are unsure about the schedule. Timely vaccination is an important part of protecting your child’s health and supporting a healthier start to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which vaccines are given to a newborn baby in India?
The national schedule includes BCG, OPV-0 and the hepatitis B birth dose. The hepatitis B birth dose should be given within 24 hours of birth.
2. When is the first vaccination after birth?
The first vaccines are scheduled at birth. The next routine infant vaccination appointment is generally at six weeks of age.
3. How can I check my baby’s vaccination schedule by age?
Check the vaccination card provided by your hospital or immunisation centre. Your paediatrician can confirm completed doses and the next due date.
4. Are baby vaccines free in India?
Vaccines included in India’s Universal Immunization Programme are provided free of charge through government immunisation services. Additional vaccines recommended by a private paediatrician may involve a cost.
5. Can my baby receive vaccines if they have a cold?
It depends on the baby’s symptoms and medical condition. Tell the healthcare professional about any illness before vaccination so they can decide whether to proceed or reschedule.
6. Is vitamin A part of the vaccination schedule?
Vitamin A is a supplement, not a vaccine. It is included in India’s child health programme at specified ages. Follow your child’s vaccination card and healthcare provider’s guidance.
7. What should I do if I have lost my baby’s vaccination card?
Contact the hospital, clinic or immunisation centre where your baby received previous vaccines. They may be able to help recover the records. Your paediatrician can advise on the next steps if some doses cannot be confirmed.