#vaccinationforkids

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Why Every Parent Trusts the Best Pediatric Hospital in Chennai for Child Vaccinations

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy, active, and protected from illnesses. One of the most important steps in ensuring a child

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Child Vaccination Guide: Complete Immunisation Schedule for Babies and Kids in India

Child vaccination is the single most effective way to protect your baby from serious, life-threatening diseases like polio, measles, hepatitis B, and whooping cough. Following the right immunisation schedule from birth gives your child the strongest possible immunity during their most vulnerable years.

In this guide, Dr. Rachika Sujanyal — a trusted Pediatrician and Neonatologist with over 10 years of experience and 5,000+ families guided — walks you through everything parents need to know about baby vaccination in India. From the complete vaccine schedule to side effects and missed doses — consider this your go-to reference for your child's immunisation journey.

Why Vaccination is Important for Your Child Vaccines train your child's immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases — without your child having to go through the actual illness. This protection is called immunity and can last for years, sometimes a lifetime. Vaccination also builds herd immunity — protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated, like very young newborns or immunocompromised children.

Diseases prevented by timely vaccination:

Polio — can cause permanent paralysis

Measles — leading cause of childhood blindness and death globally

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) — extremely dangerous for infants under 6 months

Hepatitis B — can lead to chronic liver disease in adulthood

Meningitis, Pneumonia, Rotavirus — major causes of child hospitalisation in India

Skipping or delaying vaccines does not make them safer — it simply leaves your child unprotected during the most critical window of their life.

Complete Child Vaccination Schedule in India (0 to 5 Years) As recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP):

At Birth

BCG — Tuberculosis (TB)

OPV-0 — Polio

Hepatitis B (1st dose) — Hepatitis B liver infection

All three are given within the first 24 hours of birth — ideally before hospital discharge.

6 Weeks to 6 Months

6 Weeks — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B (2nd), Rotavirus, PCV

10 Weeks — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Rotavirus, PCV

14 Weeks — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Rotavirus, PCV

6 Months — OPV, Hepatitis B (3rd), Influenza (1st dose)

6 Months to 2 Years

9 Months — MMR (1st dose), Typhoid (1st dose)

12 Months — Hepatitis A (1st dose), Varicella (Chickenpox)

15 Months — MMR (2nd dose), Varicella (2nd dose), PCV Booster

16–18 Months — DTwP/DTaP Booster, IPV Booster, Hib Booster

18 Months — Hepatitis A (2nd dose)

2 Years — Typhoid Booster

2 to 5 Years

4–6 Years — DTwP/DTaP Booster, OPV Booster, MMR (if missed)

Annually — Influenza vaccine every flu season

By age 5, a fully vaccinated child is protected against 14+ serious diseases.

Common Vaccines Explained Simply BCG Vaccine — Given at birth against Tuberculosis (TB). Leaves a small permanent scar on the upper arm — completely normal.

DPT / DTaP Vaccine — Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. Given multiple times because immunity builds progressively.

OPV and IPV (Polio Vaccines) — Both used in India's polio eradication programme. India has been polio-free since 2014 — continued vaccination keeps it that way.

MMR Vaccine — Protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Two doses needed for full protection. Measles alone kills 140,000+ children globally every year — mostly unvaccinated ones.

Hepatitis B Vaccine — Started at birth, completed in 3 doses. Prevents chronic liver damage and liver cancer in adulthood.

Rotavirus Vaccine — Oral vaccine given in 2–3 doses. Prevents severe diarrhoea and dehydration — a leading cause of infant hospitalisation in India.

Common Side Effects After Vaccination — What's Normal Normal reactions — no treatment needed:

Mild fever for 1–2 days — give paracetamol as advised by your doctor

Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site

Fussiness or crying for a few hours after the jab

Sleepiness or reduced appetite for a day

Apply a cool cloth to the injection site. Breastfeeding immediately after vaccination also helps calm and comfort your baby.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice:

Fever above 104°F (40°C) that doesn't reduce

Non-stop crying for more than 3 hours

Seizures or convulsions after vaccination

Severe rash or swelling spreading beyond the injection site

Baby seems unusually limp or unresponsive

These serious reactions are extremely rare — but acting quickly matters.

What to Do If You Missed a Vaccine Dose A missed dose is never a reason to start over. Most vaccines can be given later through a catch-up immunisation schedule — your pediatrician will create an adjusted plan.

Key points on missed doses:

Reschedule as soon as possible — do not skip entirely

Partial vaccination gives some protection but is not complete

Some vaccines like Rotavirus have age cut-offs — earlier is always better

Keep your vaccination record card safe — bring it to every visit without fail

Tips to Prepare Your Child for Vaccination Day Feed your baby before the visit — a comfortable baby tolerates jabs better

Always bring the vaccination card — never leave without it

Dress baby in easy-to-remove clothing for quick injection site access

Stay calm — babies and toddlers pick up on parental anxiety very easily

Breastfeed or offer skin-to-skin comfort immediately after the injection

For older toddlers — be honest: "It will hurt a little, but only for a second — you'll be so brave"

Carry a favourite toy to distract them during and after

When to Consult a Pediatrician About Vaccination Speak to a child specialist specifically when:

Your baby was premature or low birth weight — schedule may need adjustment

Your child has a known allergy — some vaccines contain egg protein or gelatin

Your child currently has fever or is unwell — most vaccines are postponed until recovery

You are travelling abroad and need additional vaccines like Yellow Fever or Typhoid

Your child is immunocompromised — certain live vaccines may need to be skipped

You have received conflicting advice and need clarity from a trusted source

Always consult before skipping or modifying any vaccine — never rely on online forums or social media for medical decisions.

Trusted Child Vaccination Support — Dr. Rachika Sujanyal Dr. Rachika Sujanyal is a dedicated Pediatrician and Neonatologist with over 10 years of experience providing complete child vaccination and immunisation guidance tailored to your baby's age and health history. With 5,000+ families guided, she ensures every child's vaccination journey stays on track — safely and on time.

Explore related services:

👶 Newborn Baby Care

📈 Child Growth & Development Monitoring

She consults at Stree Hospital, Kalewadi and Kirti Hospital, Pimpri.

👉 Book a Vaccination Consultation Today

Conclusion Child vaccination is not just a medical formality — it is one of the most important investments you will ever make in your child's long-term health. Every dose, every visit, every on-time jab builds a shield that protects your child through childhood and beyond.

The schedule may look long — but broken down age by age, it is completely manageable. Stay consistent, keep your vaccination card updated, and never hesitate to ask your pediatrician any question — no matter how small it seems.

A vaccinated child is a protected child.