Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. A single course of childhood immunization can prevent illnesses that once put thousands of children at risk every year — from tuberculosis and polio to measles and whooping cough. Yet with so many vaccines, doses and age windows to keep track of, it's easy for parents to feel overwhelmed.
This guide walks through why vaccination matters, a general age-wise schedule, the difference between imported and Indian vaccines, and practical tips for vaccination day — so you always know what's coming next for your child.
Why Vaccination Matters
Vaccines work by training your child's immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases, often before they're ever exposed to them in real life. On-schedule immunization:
- Protects your child from diseases that can cause serious, long-term complications
- Builds "herd immunity" that protects newborns and children who can't yet be vaccinated
- Is far safer than the diseases it prevents — side effects are typically mild and short-lived
- Is required for school admission in most cases, and useful for travel
Age-Wise Vaccination Schedule
The table below is a general guide based on commonly followed pediatric immunization schedules in India. Your child's exact schedule may vary slightly based on health history, catch-up needs, and the latest guidelines — always confirm the personalized schedule with Dr. Arun Jain rather than relying on this alone.
| Age | Recommended Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG, Hepatitis B (1st dose), OPV (0 dose) |
| 6 Weeks | DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, PCV — 1st dose |
| 10 Weeks | DTaP, IPV, Hib, Rotavirus, PCV — 2nd dose |
| 14 Weeks | DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, PCV — 3rd dose |
| 6–9 Months | Measles-Rubella (MR) — 1st dose, Influenza (yearly, optional) |
| 12 Months | Hepatitis A (1st dose, optional), Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine |
| 15 Months | MMR (1st dose), Varicella (1st dose, optional), PCV booster |
| 16–18 Months | DTaP, IPV, Hib — 1st booster |
| 18–24 Months | Hepatitis A (2nd dose, optional) |
| 4–6 Years | DTaP — 2nd booster, OPV booster, MMR (2nd dose), Varicella (2nd dose, optional), Typhoid booster |
| 10–12 Years | Tdap/Td booster, HPV (for girls, optional) |
Imported vs. Indian Vaccines
Both imported and Indian-manufactured vaccines are approved, safe and effective — they're held to the same regulatory standards. The main differences are usually cost, the number of diseases combined in a single shot, and brand availability. At Dr Arun Child Hospital, both imported and Indian vaccines are available, and Dr. Arun Jain can help you choose the option that best fits your child's needs and your budget, without compromising on protection.
Before & After Vaccination: Tips for Parents
- Feed your child as usual before the visit — vaccination on an empty stomach isn't necessary, but a fussy, hungry baby is harder to comfort
- Bring the vaccination card / record from previous visits
- Mild fever, fussiness or soreness at the injection site for a day or two is normal
- Offer extra fluids and comfort; a cool cloth on the injection site can help with soreness
- Contact the hospital if fever is very high, lasts more than 2 days, or your child seems unusually unwell
Frequently Asked Questions
Missing a dose doesn't mean starting over. Bring your child in as soon as possible — Dr. Arun Jain will create a catch-up schedule to get back on track safely.
Yes, mild fever, fussiness, or soreness at the injection site for a day or two is a common and normal immune response. Contact us if the fever is high or persists beyond 2 days.
In most cases, yes — a mild cold without fever usually doesn't require postponing vaccination. Dr. Arun Jain will assess your child at the visit to confirm.
Optional vaccines protect against diseases that are less common but can still be serious. They're recommended, not mandatory — Dr. Arun Jain can help you weigh the benefits for your child.