Vaccination Schedule for Babies and Children

A fourth dose of hepatitis B vaccine is safe and is given when combination vaccines are used.

The third rotavirus dose is not needed if the two-dose RV1 vaccine is used.

The live hepatitis A vaccine needs a single dose at 12 months. The inactivated vaccine needs a second dose six months later.

In the first year, the influenza vaccine is given as two doses four weeks apart, then once a year until five years of age. Vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal disease, cholera and rabies are given only in endemic areas or special situations, on your paediatrician's advice.

How the Government (UIP) Schedule Differs?

The UIP gives MR (measles and rubella) instead of MMR and uses a pentavalent vaccine that combines five vaccines in one injection. It does not include influenza, typhoid, hepatitis A, or chickenpox vaccines in its routine schedule. Since February 2026, the UIP also offers a free single dose of HPV vaccine to girls aged 14. Your paediatrician can help you combine both schedules if your child has received some doses at a government centre.

Why Should You Keep Your Child's Immunization Record?

Your child's immunization record is the only reliable proof of which vaccines have been given and when. It prevents missed doses and avoids repeating vaccines by mistake. Keep the original card safe and store a photo or digital copy on your phone.

• Tracks upcoming doses: The record shows which vaccine is due next, so you can plan visits on time.
• Needed for admissions: Schools, day-care centres and summer camps often ask for proof of vaccination.
• Helps during illness: Doctors can check the record to rule out a vaccine-preventable disease when your child is unwell.
• Useful for travel: Some countries ask for proof of specific vaccines, and the record makes a visa or school transfer easier.
• Supports catch-up plans: If you change cities or doctors, the record helps a new paediatrician continue the baby vaccine schedule without gaps.

Carry the record to every vaccination visit and ask the clinic to update it on the same day. A complete record also makes it easier to see why vaccines start so early in life.

Why Are Vaccines Given at Such an Early Age?

Vaccines are given early because many of the diseases they prevent are especially dangerous in the first months of life. Whooping cough, Hib disease and pneumococcal infections can cause pneumonia, meningitis or death in infants. A baby's own immune system is still developing, and the antibodies passed on from the mother fade within the first few months. This is why newborn vaccines such as BCG, OPV and hepatitis B are given at birth.

The schedule is timed so that protection is in place before your child is most likely to meet these infections. Some vaccines, such as MMR, are given later because the mother's antibodies can stop them from working in the first months. Every age in the chart balances early protection with a strong immune response.

Risks of Delaying Child Vaccination

Delaying a vaccine, even by a few weeks, leaves your child unprotected during the months when some diseases are especially harmful. Many parents delay a dose because of a mild cold or a busy schedule. A short delay feels harmless, but it keeps your child exposed for longer.

• Longer window of risk: Your child stays unprotected against diseases such as whooping cough and measles until you give the dose.
• Higher chance of complications: Infections in infancy are more likely to cause pneumonia, dehydration or brain inflammation.
• Missed age limits: Some vaccines, such as rotavirus, have strict age limits and cannot be given once the window has passed.
• Spread to others: An unvaccinated child can pass infections to newborn siblings, older relatives or children with weak immunity.
• More catch-up visits: Late doses can mean extra visits to get back on schedule.

A mild cold or runny nose is usually not a reason to postpone a vaccine. If your child has a high fever or a serious illness, your paediatrician will advise a new date.

Vaccine Reaction and Side Effects

Most children have no reaction or only a mild one after a vaccine. Side effects usually appear within a day or two and settle on their own. Knowing what is normal helps you care for your child at home and spot the rare signs that need medical attention.

These reactions show that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. They usually last one to three days.

• Pain or swelling: Redness, tenderness or a small lump at the injection site.
• Mild fever: A slight rise in temperature on the day of the vaccine or the next day.
• Fussiness: Crying, irritability or poor sleep for a day.
• Reduced appetite: Your baby may feed a little less for a short time.
• Rash after some vaccines: A mild rash can appear one to two weeks after MMR or chickenpox vaccines.

Feed your baby as usual, keep them comfortable and give fever medicine only if your paediatrician advises it. Do not rub or apply anything to the injection site.

When to Call an Expert Paediatrician?

Serious reactions are rare, but they need prompt care. Contact your paediatrician or visit the emergency department if you notice any of these signs.

• Breathing difficulty: Wheezing, fast breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
• High fever: A temperature of 104°F (40°C) or above, or fever that lasts more than two days.
• Non-stop crying: Crying that continues for three hours or more and cannot be soothed.
• Seizures or unusual drowsiness: Fits, floppiness or difficulty waking your child.
• Worsening injection site: Redness or swelling that keeps growing after two days.

Tell your paediatrician about any strong reaction before the next dose. They will decide whether that vaccine should be continued or changed.

Vaccination Services at Rainbow Children's Hospital

Vaccination services are available at the paediatric outpatient clinics of all Rainbow Children's Hospital centres. Each visit is planned around your child's age, health and past vaccine record.

• IAP-based schedule: Paediatricians follow the latest IAP immunization schedule and guide you on optional vaccines.
• Health check before each dose: A paediatrician reviews your child's health before every vaccine.
• Quality-assured vaccines: The makes and brands of vaccines used meet international standards.
• Catch-up plans: Children with missed or delayed doses get a personalized plan to complete the schedule safely.
• Easy enquiry: Call 1800 2122 for vaccine availability and cost, or request a call back.

Bring your child's vaccination record to every visit so the team can confirm the next due dose. This keeps the schedule accurate from one appointment to the next.

Conclusion

A timely vaccination schedule for children is a simple way to protect your child's health from birth to adulthood. Follow the age-wise chart, keep the immunization record up to date and speak to your paediatrician about any missed doses. Regular check-ins make sure your child stays protected at every stage.

Medical Disclaimer

This vaccination schedule is for general information only and follows the IAP 2025 recommendations. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Your paediatrician may change the timing or choice of vaccines based on your child's health, vaccine brand and past records. Always consult a qualified paediatrician before vaccination.