Vaccines are one of the most evidence-backed interventions in all of medicine. For children under two years old, the vaccination schedule is a structured programme that has saved more lives in the last century than almost any other medical advance.
Why Does the Timing of Vaccines Matter?
The vaccination schedule is not arbitrary. Each vaccine is given at a specific age because that is when the baby’s immune system is ready to generate the right kind of protective response. Delaying vaccines does not make them safer — it leaves the window of vulnerability open for longer.
The IAP Vaccination Schedule 2025 — Age by Age
| Age | Vaccines | What It Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG, Hepatitis B (Dose 1), OPV 0 | TB, Hepatitis B, Polio |
| 6 Weeks | DTwP/DTaP D1, IPV D1, Hep B D2, Hib D1, Rotavirus D1, PCV D1 | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Bacterial Meningitis, Rotavirus, Pneumonia |
| 10 Weeks | DTwP/DTaP D2, IPV D2, Hib D2, Rotavirus D2 | Same series — second dose |
| 14 Weeks | DTwP/DTaP D3, IPV D3, Hib D3, Rotavirus D3, PCV D3 | Primary series completed |
| 6 Months | Influenza D1 (recommended) | Seasonal Flu |
| 9 Months | MMR D1, OPV Booster | Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio |
| 12 Months | Hepatitis A D1, PCV Booster, Varicella D1 | Hepatitis A, Pneumonia, Chickenpox |
| 15 Months | MMR D2, DTwP/DTaP D4 (Booster) | MMR boost, DTP boost |
| 18 Months | Hib Booster, Hepatitis A D2 | Hib boost, Hepatitis A complete |
| 24 Months | Typhoid Conjugate (TCV), Varicella D2 | Typhoid, Chickenpox complete |
Managing Vaccine Side Effects at Home
Mild reactions after vaccination are normal and expected — they are signs that the immune system is responding:
- Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site — resolves within 2–3 days
- Low-grade fever (below 38.5°C) — manageable with paracetamol at the appropriate dose
- Fussiness and unsettled behaviour for 24–48 hours
⚠️ Seek Medical Attention If
- Fever rises above 39°C
- Child is inconsolable
- Unusual swelling spreading beyond the injection site
- Child appears very unwell rather than just fussy
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can multiple vaccines be given at the same visit?
Yes, and this is recommended. The immune system can handle multiple vaccines simultaneously without being overwhelmed. It reduces the number of visits needed and ensures the schedule stays on track.
What if a dose is missed?
Catch up as soon as possible. A missed vaccine does not require restarting the series — the schedule simply picks up from where it left off.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines are the most rigorously safety-tested medical products in existence, monitored before and after approval across millions of doses. The risk of the diseases they prevent is many times greater than the risk of any vaccine reaction.