Child Vaccination Schedule in India: A Complete Immunization Guide
Reviewed by Dr. Smrithi Bhagiratha
MBBS, MD (Pediatrics)
Fellowship in Pediatric Genetics
India’s childhood immunization schedule, recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and aligned with the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme, starts at birth and continues through the teenage years. This guide explains the schedule in plain terms, what is free versus paid, and what to expect after a shot.
The Vaccination Schedule, Explained by Age
Immunization in India begins at birth with BCG, Hepatitis B, and oral polio vaccine. The first major cluster, covering diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Hepatitis B, and Hib, is typically due at 6 weeks, repeated at 10 and 14 weeks. Additional vaccines, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, and MMR, are layered in across the first year and into the second, with boosters continuing through early childhood.
- At birth: BCG, Hepatitis B (first dose), oral polio vaccine
- 6, 10, 14 weeks: DTP, IPV, Hepatitis B, Hib, rotavirus, pneumococcal vaccine
- 9-12 months: MMR (first dose), typhoid conjugate vaccine
- 15-18 months: MMR (second dose), DTP and polio boosters
- Later childhood: additional boosters as advised by your pediatrician
Government vs. Private Vaccines, and Painless Options
Some vaccines are provided free at government hospitals under the Universal Immunization Programme, while others, along with combination and painless (acellular) formulations, are available at private hospitals for an additional cost. Whether the paid option is worth it for your family is a fair question to raise directly with your pediatrician, who can weigh the specific differences for your child. A full breakdown of costs is on our consultation and vaccination cost page.
Common Side Effects, Including Fever
Mild fever, fussiness, or soreness at the injection site are common and expected after many childhood vaccines, and usually settle within a day or two. Our fever page covers safe home care for a post-vaccination fever, and when a fever needs medical attention regardless of its cause.
Catch-Up and Delayed Schedules
If a vaccine dose is missed or delayed, most schedules can be caught up rather than restarted from the beginning. A pediatrician can review your child’s specific record and suggest a catch-up plan, since the right approach depends on which doses were missed and by how long.
Where to Vaccinate in JP Nagar, Bangalore
Arka Anugraha Hospital in JP Nagar offers childhood vaccination as part of routine pediatric care under Dr. Smrithi Bhagiratha. Our JP Nagar pediatric page has details on visiting for a vaccination appointment.
About Arka Anugraha Hospital and Dr. Smrithi Bhagiratha
Arka Anugraha Hospital is a multispeciality and integrative care hospital in JP Nagar, South Bengaluru. Pediatric care at Arka is led by Dr. Smrithi Bhagiratha, who trained in general pediatrics, neonatal care, and emergency care at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, and holds a Fellowship in Pediatric Genetics. She is one of four senior doctors who anchor Arka’s clinical approach, alongside colleagues in surgery, women’s health, and integrative gastroenterology.
The hospital’s approach is root-cause care: looking past a single symptom to a child’s overall growth, development, and long-term health, with every option explained clearly before a decision is made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. A hernia is a physical defect in the muscle wall and will not heal by itself. While some may not cause symptoms initially, they often enlarge over time and may require treatment to prevent complications.
A: You will not feel pain during the surgery itself due to anesthesia. After the procedure, some discomfort is normal, but it is well-managed. Patients who undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery typically experience significantly less pain and require less pain medication than those who have open surgery.
A: Recovery time varies, but it is much faster with minimally invasive techniques. Many patients return to light activities and desk work within one to two weeks. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about four to six weeks, or as advised by your surgeon.
A: While some hernias are due to congenital factors, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking (to prevent chronic coughing), using proper technique when lifting heavy objects, and eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and straining.
A: ARKA Anugraha Hospital is recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’. We offer world-class expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which leads to faster recovery and less pain. Our unique integrative medicine approach supports your healing journey with holistic pain management and personalized care plans, ensuring the best possible outcome and a more comfortable recovery.
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