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Baby Vaccinations (0–12 Months): India's Immunisation Schedule, Why & Safety
Vaccines safely train your baby's immune system to fight serious diseases before they strike.
Quick Facts
Vaccines are one of the safest, most effective ways to protect your baby. They train the immune system to fight serious diseases — before your baby ever meets them. In India, free childhood vaccines are delivered through the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) run by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Government of India), and paediatricians also follow the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) schedule.
In the first year, the schedule typically begins at birth (BCG, Hepatitis B birth dose, OPV-0) and continues with doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks (OPV, pentavalent — which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and hepatitis B — and rotavirus), with Measles-Rubella (MR) given at 9–12 months. Exact vaccines, brands and timing can vary, so always follow the current IAP / Government of India schedule and your paediatrician's advice.
This page explains why and how vaccines are safe in simple terms. It is general education, not a schedule to follow in place of official guidance. Keep your baby's immunisation card and bring it to every visit.
Never miss a dose
Use the ParentVibes Vaccination Tracker to log vaccines and get reminders aligned to your paediatrician's plan.
Open Vaccination Tracker →Things worth knowing
Vaccines train the immune system
They build protection safely — before your baby ever meets the disease.
Pentavalent is five-in-one
A single injection covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and hepatitis B.
Follow the official schedule
Timing follows the current IAP / Govt of India plan and your paediatrician.
Mild reactions are normal
Mild fever or soreness shows the immune system is responding to the dose.
Bring the immunisation card
It's the official record of doses — carry it to every visit.
Missed a dose? Don't restart
Your paediatrician advises a catch-up plan — the series isn't begun again.
Everything You Need to Know (India Schedule Context)
Typical first-year vaccines under India's UIP (illustrative — confirm the current schedule with your paediatrician). Pentavalent is a single injection covering five diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and hepatitis B) — fewer pricks, strong protection.
| When (typical) | Vaccines (UIP context) | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| At birth | BCG, Hepatitis B (birth dose), OPV-0 | TB (severe forms), hepatitis B, polio |
| 6 weeks | OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus-1, (fIPV) | Polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, hep B, rotavirus |
| 10 weeks | OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, Rotavirus-2 | As above |
| 14 weeks | OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, Rotavirus-3, (fIPV) | As above |
| 9–12 months | Measles-Rubella (MR) 1, others per schedule | Measles, rubella |
This table is for understanding, not as your child's plan
The IAP schedule may include additional vaccines (e.g. PCV, influenza, hepatitis A, varicella, typhoid, MMR) and timings differ. Follow the current IAP / Govt of India schedule and your paediatrician.
Pentavalent — five in one
A single injection covering diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and hepatitis B means fewer pricks with strong protection.
Signs After a Vaccine (Usually Mild)
Most reactions are mild and short-lived, showing the immune system is responding.
Common and usually normal
- Mild fever
- Soreness, redness or a small lump at the injection site
- Being a bit unsettled, sleepy or off feeds for a day or two
Track while you read
Tick the symptoms that apply to you. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis — saved on this device only.
Rare but urgent
Signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips, widespread rash, floppiness) need immediate emergency care. A high or persistent fever, or a baby who seems very unwell, should be checked.
Why Vaccines Matter So Much
- Diseases are still around
- Measles, pertussis, polio and others can cause serious illness, disability or death.
- Babies are vulnerable
- Their immune systems are still developing.
- Vaccines build immunity safely
- They protect without the dangers of the actual disease.
- Herd protection
- High coverage protects babies too young or unable to be vaccinated.
- Timing matters
- The schedule is designed to protect at the ages of greatest risk.
Tracking & Catch-Up
Keeping the schedule on track
- Immunisation card / record — the official document of doses given; bring it to every visit
- Schedule review at well-baby visits against the IAP / Govt of India schedule
- Catch-up: if a dose is missed, do not restart the series — your paediatrician will advise a catch-up plan
- Pre-vaccine check: mention any allergies, previous reactions, or current significant illness to your doctor
Keep records together
Store the immunisation card and the schedule in the ParentVibes Vaccination Tracker so nothing slips.
Open Vaccination Tracker →Managing Reactions & Concerns
Vaccines used in the programme are rigorously tested and monitored; serious reactions are very rare, and the benefits of protection far outweigh the small risks. India also runs active safety surveillance for vaccines.
- Mild fever
- Comfort, fluids/feeds; paracetamol if advised. Seek care for high/persistent fever, or any baby under 3 months who is unwell.
- Sore/red injection site
- Gentle handling and comfort. Seek care for spreading redness, severe swelling or pus.
- Unsettled/sleepy
- Extra cuddles, feeds and rest. Seek urgent care if very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake.
- Worry about safety
- Talk to your paediatrician with facts — always ask questions; don't delay or skip vaccines based on non-approved sources.
Ask a Doctor
ParentVibes Ask a Doctor can answer vaccine questions, but your paediatrician decides timing and suitability.
Ask a Doctor →After a severe reaction
If your baby had a severe reaction to a previous dose, tell your paediatrician before the next one. Do not delay or skip vaccines based on non-approved sources — discuss any concern with your doctor.
Before & After Vaccination (India-Friendly)
Before
- Bring the immunisation card and note any past reactions/allergies
- Feed your baby and dress them in easy-access clothing
After
- Expect mild fever or soreness; offer extra feeds and cuddles
- In hot weather, keep baby cool and hydrated (via milk/feeds); don't over-bundle
- Give paracetamol only if advised by your doctor for the baby's age
- Resume normal routine; watch for anything unusual
Vaccine-day checklist
- Immunisation card packed
- Mention allergies / past reactions
- Comfortable clothing
- Plan a calm day after
- Know the red flags
When to See a Doctor
Seek care if, after a vaccine, your baby:
- Shows signs of a severe allergic reaction — breathing difficulty, facial/lip swelling, widespread rash, floppiness (emergency)
- Has a high or persistent fever, or is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher
- Is very drowsy, hard to wake, or inconsolable
- Has spreading redness, severe swelling or pus at the site
- Missed a dose — ask about catch-up (don't restart the series)
- Leaves you with any concern or question about the schedule
Seek emergency care
For any sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, widespread rash or floppiness — call your local emergency number immediately. A temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency.
Continue learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines does my baby need in the first year?
In India's programme, typically BCG, Hepatitis B, OPV, pentavalent, rotavirus and MR, with the IAP schedule adding others (e.g. PCV, influenza). Follow the current IAP / Govt of India schedule and your paediatrician.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes — vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored; serious reactions are very rare, and protection far outweighs the small risks.
What is the pentavalent vaccine?
A single injection protecting against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and hepatitis B.
What if we miss a dose?
Don't restart the series — see your paediatrician for a catch-up plan.
Is mild fever after a vaccine normal?
Yes — mild fever and soreness are common and short-lived; give paracetamol only if advised for your baby's age.
Can my baby have vaccines if mildly unwell?
Usually yes for minor illness, but tell your doctor — they decide if it's suitable, especially with fever or significant illness.
Where do I get free vaccines in India?
Through the Government of India's Universal Immunization Programme at government health facilities; your paediatrician can also advise on additional IAP vaccines.
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Medical review
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Vinika G.
- Next review due
- June 2027
- Status
- Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinika G.
References
- Government of India / MoHFW — National Immunization Schedule (NIS)
- Government of India / MoHFW — Universal Immunization Programme
- National Health Portal of India — Universal Immunisation Programme
- WHO (India) — Pentavalent Vaccine guide
- WHO (India) — Immunization Handbook
- NHS — Is your baby or toddler seriously ill?
This article is for general information and education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or an official immunisation schedule. Vaccines, brands and timings vary and schedules are updated. In India, follow the current IAP / Government of India (UIP) immunisation schedule and your paediatrician's advice — do not use this page as your child's vaccination plan. Seek emergency care for any sign of a severe allergic reaction after vaccination. A fever of 38°C or higher in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Content reviewed against guidance from WHO and the Government of India (MoHFW/UIP), with reference to the IAP schedule.
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Medical disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, missed periods, or unusual symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.