Understanding the Vaccination Schedule for Children: A Pediatrician’s Guide
By Dr. Pandurang Sawant, Pediatrician & Neonatologist
Vaccination is one of the most important and effective ways to protect children from serious diseases. As a pediatrician and neonatologist, I often encounter questions from parents about when and why their child needs certain vaccines. This blog aims to simplify the childhood vaccination schedule and help you understand its importance.
📌 Why Are Vaccines Important?
Vaccines help the immune system recognize and fight infections before they make your child seriously ill. They prevent diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough—illnesses that once caused significant disability and death but are now rare, thanks to immunization.
📅 Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Recommended Vaccination Schedule (2024)
At Birth:
BCG (for tuberculosis)OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine)Hepatitis B - Birth Dose
BCG vaccine
Hep-B vaccination
Oral Polio
At 6 Weeks,10 weeks,14 weeks :
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) – 1st,2nd 3rd doseIPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) – 1st,2nd ,3rd doseHib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – 1st,2nd ,3rd doseHepatitis B – 2nd,3rd ,4th doseRotavirus – 1st,2nd, 3rd dosePCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) – 1st,2nd,3rd dose
Painfull vaccination
Painless Vaccination
PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
Rotavirus vaccine
At 6 Month :
Influenza Vaccine 1st dose , OPV(Oral polio)
Influenza vaccine
Oral Polio vaccine
At 7 Month :
Influenza Vaccine 2nd dose , Typhoid conjugate vaccine
Influenza vaccine
Typhoid vaccine
At 9 Months :
MMR 1st dose , OPV, Menningoccocal vaccine
MMR vaccine
Menningoccocal vaccine
Oral polio
At 12 Months :
Menningoccocal vaccine 2nd dose,Hep-A 1st dose,JE Vaccine 1st dose.
Menningoccocal vaccine
Hep-A vaccination
JE Vaccine
At 13 Months :
JE Vaccine 2nd dose.
JE Vaccine
At 15 Months :
MMR – 2nd dose,PCV Booster,Varicella (Chickenpox) – 1st dose
MMR vaccine
Pneumoccocal (PCV) vaccination
Varicella(Chickenpox) Vaccine
At 18 Months :
DTP Booster – 1st doseIPV BoosterHib Booster,Hepatitis A – 2nd dose,Varicella (Chickenpox) – 2nd dose
DTP,HiB,IPV Booster vaccine
Hep-A vaccination
Varicella(Chickenpox) Vaccine
At 2Yrs :
Typhoid conjugate Vaccine(booster),Influenza vaccine
Influenza vaccine
Typhoid vaccine
At 3,4,5 Yrs :
Influenza vaccine
Influenza vaccine
At 4-6 Yrs :
DTP Booster – 2nd dose,OPV Booster,Varicella – 2nd dose(if not given at 18 months)MMR – 3rd dose,
DTP,IPV Booster vaccine
Varicella(Chickenpox) Vaccine
MMR vaccine
At 6,7,8,9,10 Yrs :
Influenza vaccine
Influenza vaccine
At 10-12 Yrs :
HPV vaccine (for girls+boys), 2 doses 6 months apart. Tdap/Td Vaccine
HPV vaccine
Tdap/Td vaccine
🧠 Tips for Parents
Keep a vaccination card and bring it to every appointment.
Never hesitate to ask your pediatrician about vaccine safety.
Ensure timely follow-ups to avoid missed or delayed doses.
If your child is sick on the vaccine day, consult your doctor before rescheduling.
👨⚕️ Final Thoughts
Vaccines are a gift of science that keeps our children healthy and thriving. At Dr. Sawant Clinic, I ensure every child receives the best care, including timely and safe vaccinations. If you have any doubts or need a personalized vaccination schedule for your child, feel free to book a consultation.