Childhood immunisation schedule by age

India's national immunisation schedule spreads routine vaccines across a child's first two years, with a few boosters later in childhood. The exact timing can vary slightly by clinic and by which combination vaccines are used, which is why it's worth confirming your child's specific schedule directly rather than relying on a general guide alone.

At birth

The first doses — typically BCG, the first dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV), and the birth dose of Hepatitis B — are usually given before a newborn leaves the hospital or at a first paediatric visit shortly after.

6, 10 and 14 weeks

This stretch of infancy carries the heaviest vaccine load: further doses of OPV, the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) series, Hepatitis B, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), rotavirus and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are generally spaced across these three visits, roughly a month apart.

9 to 12 months

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) protection generally starts here, often alongside a vitamin A dose and, depending on the schedule followed, a first dose of Japanese encephalitis vaccine in regions where it's recommended.

16 to 24 months and beyond

Booster doses — DPT, OPV, and a second MMR dose — usually follow in the second year, with further boosters typically recommended around five to six years of age.

Why the exact dates matter

Spacing between doses affects how well a vaccine works, and missing a window is common when families are juggling appointments across more than one clinic or provider. Keeping every dose on record in one place, ideally with one clinic tracking the whole schedule, makes it far easier to catch a missed dose before it becomes a gap.