Government Hospital Baby Vaccination Chart: A Complete Guide
Becoming a parent is an incredible journey — filled with joy, sleepless nights, and countless new responsibilities. Among them, one stands out as absolutely essential: vaccinations.
Vaccines protect your baby from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. But with so many shots and schedules, it’s easy to feel confused. What does your baby need, and when? Are all of these available for free at government hospitals?
This complete guide will help you understand everything about baby vaccination in India under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
Key Highlights
- Free Vaccines: Essential vaccines for babies are free under the UIP in government hospitals.
- Schedule: Vaccines like BCG, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent, and Rotavirus are given at specific ages.
- Timely Vaccination: Ensures strong immunity and protection from serious diseases.
- Side Effects: Most are mild; severe reactions are rare.
- Missed Shots: Consult a doctor to catch up on missed vaccines.
Baby Vaccination Schedule in India
The Government of India delivers free vaccinations under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) so that every child can be given protection from life-threatening diseases. A detailed National Immunization Schedule is provided below:
| Age | Vaccines Given |
| At Birth | Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)-0 dose, Hepatitis B birth dose |
| 6 Weeks | OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)-1, Fractional dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV)-1, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)-1* |
| 10 Weeks | OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, RVV-2 |
| 14 Weeks | OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, fIPV-2, RVV-3, PCV-2* |
| 9-12 Months | Measles & Rubella (MR)-1, Japanese Encephalitis (JE)-1**, PCV-Booster* |
| 16-24 Months | MR-2, JE-2**, Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT)-Booster-1, OPV – Booster |
| 5-6 Years | DPT-Booster-2 |
| 10 Years | Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td) |
| 16 Years | Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td) |
| Pregnant Mother | Td-1, Td-2 or Td-Booster*** |
Notes:
- PCV is currently administered in selected states/districts: Bihar, MP, UP (certain districts), HP, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
- JE is given only in districts where the disease is common.
- Td-Booster is needed only once if the mother has received Td in the last 3 years.
Key Vaccines and Their Benefits
Here are some key vaccines provided under the UIP —
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) – Protects newborn babies against tuberculosis (TB), a serious lung infection. Your baby has this injection at birth.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine – Protects against liver infections due to the hepatitis B virus. The first dose is given at birth and further doses are given.
- Polio (Oral Polio Vaccine - OPV) – Prevents polio which can cause paralysis. Given at birth and through boosters.
- Pentavalent Vaccine – This is a combination vaccine that protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib). It is given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
- Rotavirus Vaccine – Protects against severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus. Given orally at 6 and 14 weeks.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) – Protects against pneumonia and meningitis which can be fatal for infants. Given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.
- Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine – Protects against measles and rubella (German measles) that can cause complications. First dose is given between 9-12 months.
- Typhoid Vaccine – Prevents typhoid fever, which is caused by the bacteria that are spread through contaminated food and water.
Importance of Timely Vaccination
Vaccination is not just about following a schedule—it’s about protecting your child from deadly diseases. The earlier you vaccinate, the stronger their immune system becomes. Delayed vaccinations can leave your child vulnerable to infections that could have been easily prevented.
Many diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough are still present in some parts of the world. Missing vaccines can increase the risk of outbreaks. So, stay on track and don’t delay!
Check Child Health Insurance Plans that cover these vaccinations.
Risks of Delayed Vaccinations
- Higher risk of infections
- Potential to spread diseases to others
- Missed school/daycare enrollment due to incomplete records
- Higher medical costs if the child falls ill
Side Effects and Aftercare
|
Side Effect |
Description |
Recommended Aftercare |
|
Mild Fever |
Slight rise in body temperature is common after some vaccines. |
Give paracetamol (only if prescribed by your doctor) and keep your baby hydrated and rested. |
|
Injection Site Redness/Swelling |
Temporary swelling, redness, or a small lump may appear where the injection was given. |
Apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort and swelling. |
|
Fatigue or Fussiness |
Your baby may seem cranky or sleepier than usual. |
Offer comfort, extra cuddles, and let your baby rest as needed. |
|
Anaphylaxis (Rare) |
A severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulty or swelling of the face/lips. |
Seek emergency medical help immediately. |
|
Febrile Seizures (Rare) |
Seizures triggered by high fever in some children. |
Keep the baby cool, consult your doctor immediately for guidance. |
When to Seek Medical Advice
Call your doctor if your child has:
- A fever above 102°F that doesn’t go away
- Severe pain, swelling, or redness at the shot site
- Continuous crying for more than 3 hours
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face/lips
These reactions are rare, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
One of the most crucial things you can do to ensure your child’s health is to vaccinate them. Government hospitals provide vaccinations for free, so there’s no excuse not to.
Follow the immunization schedule, don’t miss or delay any and keep your child’s immunization record safe! A little pain now but can protect them from dangerous diseases later.
