Welcoming a newborn brings immense joy—and important responsibilities. Navigating the newborn vaccination schedule can feel daunting, but timely immunization is the best defense against serious infections. This month-by-month plan guides first-time Indian moms through each vaccine milestone, ensuring your baby builds strong immunity in the crucial first three months.
Birth: Kick-starting Your Newborn Vaccination Schedule
According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) immunization guidelines, your newborn should receive these vaccines within 24 hours of birth:
- BCG (tuberculosis protection)
- OPV-0 (oral polio vaccine)
- Hepatitis B-1 (first dose)
Administer BCG before hospital discharge, give OPV as soon as possible, and ensure the first Hepatitis B dose is given within the first day of life. These birth-dose vaccines lay the foundation for lifelong health.
Six Weeks: Next Milestone in the Newborn Vaccination Schedule
At around six weeks, continue the newborn vaccination schedule with the primary series:
- DPT-1 (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)
- IPV-1 (inactivated polio vaccine)
- Hib-1 (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- Hepatitis B-2
- Rotavirus-1
- PCV-1 (pneumococcal conjugate)
These combination vaccines may be given as pentavalent or hexavalent formulations, reducing injections. Always confirm the correct formulation and dose with your paediatrician .
Ten Weeks: Strengthening Your Newborn Vaccination Schedule
By ten weeks, your baby’s immune system is ready for the next doses in the newborn vaccination schedule:
- DPT-2
- IPV-2
- Hib-2
- Hepatitis B-3
- Rotavirus-2
- PCV-2
These follow-up doses boost protection and help the body build lasting immunity. Don’t skip or delay—each dose is critical to keep your baby on track.
Fourteen Weeks: Completing the Primary Series
At around 14 weeks, complete the core series:
- DPT-3
- IPV-3
- Hib-3
- Rotavirus-3
- PCV-3
Completing these doses by 3½ months ensures robust defense against six major childhood diseases. If you miss this visit, reschedule immediately to avoid gaps in protection.
Safety and Common Concerns
WHO recommendations for routine immunization stress that vaccines are most effective when given according to schedule.
For answers to common safety questions, refer to Mayo Clinic’s newborn care tips. Minor side effects such as low-grade fever or injection-site soreness are normal; severe reactions are rare but should be reported to your paediatrician immediately.
India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Free and Comprehensive Coverage
India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides all core vaccines free of cost at government health centres, ensuring every child has access to lifesaving immunization. Key features include:
- Nationwide rollout: Birth doses through primary series up to 14 weeks, followed by boosters at 9–12 months and 16–24 months.
- Vaccine list: BCG, OPV, DPT (pentavalent), IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, PCV, Measles–Rubella, and Vitamin A supplementation.
- Service delivery: Fixed-site sessions at Primary Health Centres, Sub-centres, and Anganwadi centres; outreach sessions in remote areas.
- Mission Indradhanush & Intensification: Special drives target under-immunised pockets, raising coverage above 90%
Tip: Keep your child’s immunisation card safe and attend both routine and special immunization sessions.
By following this newborn vaccination schedule, you’re giving your baby the best start against serious infections. Keep a vaccination record, set reminders, and speak to your healthcare provider if you have any doubts. Your consistent, timely actions today will result in a healthier childhood tomorrow.
For personalized guidance, book an appointment with a Paloma Care doctor today and get expert newborn care support.
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