Vaccination Schedule for Infants and Children in India

Vaccinations are essential for children and should begin in the early months of life. A child’s immune system functions differently from that of an adult, which is why pediatricians and child health specialists play a critical role in protecting children against diseases such as hepatitis, polio, dengue, and common flu illnesses, ensuring they remain healthy from infancy.

Children are more vulnerable to infections and, in severe cases, may require admission to a specialized Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for expert medical care and close monitoring.

In India, the vaccination schedule for infants and children is formulated by the National Immunisation Schedule (NIS). Read on to understand the complete schedule and find answers to common vaccination-related questions. Don’t miss your child’s vaccination dates, plan ahead.

Vaccination schedule in India, NIS

A vaccination schedule serves as a structured healthcare plan for your child. These age-wise charts detail the types and timing of vaccines, as prescribed by the National Immunisation Schedule.

Who decides the vaccination programs for child welfare?

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare outlines key health programs focused on the safety and wellbeing of children and mothers.
• The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), in accordance with WHO guidelines and input from other advisory boards, develops India’s vaccination schedule.
• India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the largest free healthcare initiatives under the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) program. It offers vaccinations at no cost to infants and pregnant women.

The vaccination schedule in India 

The National Immunisation Schedule, published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, outlines several essential vaccines listed in the official child vaccination chart to protect infant health. Both mothers and children are advised to receive these vaccinations on time, as recommended by your pediatrician.

Below is the vaccination chart along with the corresponding benefits for your child, as sourced from the National Immunisation Schedule of India.

Why are these vaccines important?

The Government-prescribed vaccines listed in the National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) are designed to protect children from life-threatening diseases such as meningitis, typhoid, polio, and other severe infections. Young infants and children are especially vulnerable to these diseases. It is essential to consult the best child hospital in Chennai to ensure your child receives both government and private vaccinations under expert pediatric care.

5 Optional Vaccines in India

Some vaccines are not included in the government program and require the guidance of your pediatrician or healthcare provider. It’s important to consult your nearest and best multispeciality hospital in Chennai. Let’s explore a few optional vaccines that are not part of the National Immunisation Schedule but are important additions to your child’s health plan.

Vaccinations in India include both Government-funded and private options. Choose the best combination for your child’s protection from complex and potentially life-altering diseases.

1. Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine protects against infections, rashes, and fever associated with the varicella virus. This vaccine is essential to avoid complications such as pneumonia. Chickenpox is commonly seen during summer, and vaccination helps keep infants healthy and infection-free.

Age criteria:

First dose: 12 – 15 months

Second dose: 4 – 6 years

2. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

This vaccine protects children from viral infections and is particularly important for those with lower immunity. It may be administered as part of a booster schedule or seasonal vaccination.

Types:

• Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)
• Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine: Quadriflu, Fluarix Tetra, Influvac Tetra, Vaxiflu4
• Inactivated Flu Vaccine: Protects against circulating strains and prevents complications from seasonal flu.

3. Hepatitis A Vaccine

This vaccine guards against liver infections caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is typically available at private hospitals and must be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

• Age Criteria: 12 – 18 months
• Doses: Two

4. Typhoid Vaccine

The typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection often caused by contaminated water and poor sanitation. It affects both rural and urban populations. Vaccination helps prevent complications and ensures broader protection.

Types and Age Criteria:

• Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV): Given at 9 – 12 months, with a booster at 2 years
• Polysaccharide Typhoid Vaccine: Less commonly used today

5. Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine

This vaccine protects against infections that affect the brain (meningitis) and bloodstream (sepsis). These conditions are serious and more common in children with low immunity. Pediatricians often recommend this vaccine after assessing your child’s risk.

Age Criteria: 9 – 12 months

Common side effects and how to manage them?

Vaccines, whether from government programs or private healthcare providers, may cause mild side effects. These include fever, redness or swelling at the injection site, loss of appetite, or minor rashes. However, these effects are temporary and much less serious than the diseases vaccines prevent. Always follow your pediatrician’s advice for managing post-vaccination symptoms.

Summary

This article outlines key vaccinations and immunity boosters required for children in India. Many health initiatives and free vaccine camps are available for children and pregnant women. Timely awareness, consultation, and planning can prevent serious health issues caused by missed or delayed vaccinations.

To ensure your child receives the best care, consult experienced pediatric specialists. Book an appointment with our expert doctors to learn more about government and private vaccinations.

FAQs

Q1. Are vaccines safe for your child? 

Yes, vaccinations are safe and essential. Millions of children in India are vaccinated every year under various national programs. Vaccines protect against serious illnesses like hepatitis, measles, and polio. For expert pediatric vaccination services in Chennai, visit Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals.

Q2. What is vaccination?

Vaccinations are preventive injections or oral drops that help strengthen a child’s immunity and protect against infectious diseases. They are most effective when administered during infancy and early childhood when immunity levels are still developing.

 Q3. Are there any common side effects of vaccines?

Vaccines may cause mild side effects such as redness, swelling, rash, or fever. These reactions are usually short-lived and much milder than the illness the vaccine prevents.