The first year
Babies receive vaccines at birth, and at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, protecting against illnesses like TB, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.
Further doses around 6 and 9 months add protection against influenza, typhoid and measles. Your vaccination card shows each due date.
Toddlers and school years
Booster doses follow between 15 months and 2 years, and again around school entry at 4–6 years.
Older children receive a further booster around 10–12 years, and HPV vaccination is recommended from age 9.
Optional vaccines
Some vaccines, such as yearly flu shots, chickenpox and hepatitis A, may be optional depending on your child’s risk and the schedule you choose.
We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can decide as a family.
If you’ve missed a dose
Bring the vaccination card and we’ll make a catch-up plan. Most schedules can be resumed without restarting.
If the card is lost, tell us what you remember — we’ll work out a safe plan together.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor the same day if you notice:
- High fever above 104°F (40°C) after a vaccine
- Swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing
- Inconsolable crying for more than 3 hours
- A seizure (fit)
In an emergency, call 108.
Parents sometimes delay a vaccine because their child has a mild cold, or because a dose was missed during travel and they assume they must start again. In most cases neither is true. A mild cold without high fever is not a reason to postpone, and missed doses can almost always be caught up without restarting the series. I keep each child’s record in the clinic system and send a WhatsApp reminder a week before every due date. Bring the card to each visit, and ask me about any vaccine you are unsure of — there are no silly questions here.
Frequently asked questions
About the author
MBBS, MD (Paediatrics) · 12 years’ experience · Reg. MMC 2013/07/2290
References
- IAP Immunization Schedule. Indian Academy of Pediatrics Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices, 2023.
- Universal Immunization Programme. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you’re worried about your health, see a doctor. In an emergency, call 108. Read our editorial policy.
