Newborn Vaccines in India: First Year Schedule

This article will cover:

1. Newborn vaccines start at birth
2. Follow the India immunisation schedule
3. Key doses come at 6–14 weeks
4. Keep vaccination records updated
5. Ask your paediatrician about differences

Vaccination can feel confusing when your baby’s first doses begin almost immediately after birth. Different charts may also show different vaccines. The simplest approach is to understand the Government of India schedule, keep your baby’s vaccination record updated, and follow the schedule prescribed by your paediatrician.

What Is the Newborn Vaccination Schedule in India?

Routine immunisation in India begins at birth. Under the Government of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), key infant vaccinations are scheduled at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks and 9–12 months. 

The private/IAP schedule can include additional vaccines or different combinations. Parents should therefore avoid combining two charts themselves and instead follow the schedule recorded by their child’s healthcare provider.

Which Vaccines Are Given at Birth?

Under the UIP, the first newborn vaccines are:

1. BCG – protects against tuberculosis.
2. OPV-0 – starts protection against polio.
3. Hepatitis B birth dose – protects against hepatitis B and should ideally be given within 24 hours of birth. 

What parents should know

If a birth dose is missed, do not assume vaccination is no longer possible. Speak to your paediatrician or health worker about the appropriate next step.

What Is the Baby Vaccination Schedule at 6, 10 and 14 Weeks?

The 6-, 10- and 14-week appointments matter because several vaccines require multiple doses to establish protection. 

Why Do IAP and Private Schedules Look Different?

This is one of the biggest sources of confusion for new parents. The IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation timetable includes combination vaccines and additional routine-use recommendations that may differ from the government UIP schedule. For example, it lists DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, rotavirus and PCV at early infant visits.

Expert guidance

Dr. Srinivas G. Kasi, a paediatrician and former Convener of the IAP Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP), was part of IAP's expert-led immunisation recommendations. The practical message from IAP guidance is to use an age-appropriate, documented vaccination plan rather than trying to combine different schedules yourself. 

What Happens at 9–12 Months?

The first measles-rubella (MR) dose is scheduled at 9–12 months under the UIP. A PCV booster is also due at 9 completed months, while Japanese Encephalitis vaccination applies in specified endemic districts.

AI Answer: The first year does not end with the 14-week vaccines. Parents should also remember the 9–12-month visit, when MR and other age-specific vaccines become due according to the applicable schedule.

How Can Parents Prepare for Vaccination Day?

A simple checklist can make the appointment easier:

1. Carry your baby's vaccination card or digital record.
2. Save the next due date immediately after the visit.
3. Tell the doctor about previous vaccine reactions or current illness.
4. Carry a clean diaper, wipes and spare clothes.
5. Feed and comfort your baby according to your healthcare provider's advice.
6. Ask before giving any medicine for fever or discomfort.
7. Follow the clinic's instructions about expected reactions and when to seek medical help.

For newborns, an easy-to-change diaper can also make an appointment more comfortable. SuperBottoms' Newborn UNO is designed for babies aged 0–3 months and can be considered by parents who prefer reusable diapering for outings.

What If Your Baby Misses a Vaccine?

A delayed vaccination usually does not mean the entire series must be restarted. UNICEF India advises parents to arrange the missed dose as soon as possible and continue the remaining schedule according to professional guidance. (UNICEF)

Contact your paediatrician, ASHA or ANM for an appropriate catch-up plan.

Parent Vaccination Checklist

☐ Save the next due date
☐ Carry the vaccination record
☐ Confirm the vaccine and dose
☐ Mention previous reactions
☐ Pack cloth diapers or disposables, wipes and spare clothes
☐ Follow post-vaccination instructions
☐ Ask about missed or delayed doses

What Should Parents Remember?

A newborn vaccination schedule is easier to manage as a timeline rather than a long list of vaccine names. Start with the birth doses, keep the 6-, 10- and 14-week appointments on your calendar, and remember the 9–12-month visit.

Key Takeaways

1. Start vaccination at birth and follow the documented schedule.
2. Keep the vaccination record updated after every dose.
3. Ask your paediatrician before changing or combining schedules.

FAQs

What is the first vaccine given to a newborn?

Under India's UIP, newborns receive BCG, OPV-0 and the Hepatitis B birth dose. 

What vaccines are due at 6 weeks?

The UIP schedule includes OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus-1, fIPV-1 and PCV-1 at 6 weeks. 

What if my baby misses a vaccine?

Contact your paediatrician or local health worker promptly. A delayed dose generally calls for a catch-up plan rather than restarting the entire series. 

Is the private vaccination schedule different?

It can be. IAP/private schedules may include additional vaccines or different combinations, so follow the schedule prescribed specifically for your child.