Baby vaccination schedule in India (0–2 years)

Keeping track of which shot is due when — across BCG, pentavalent, rotavirus, PCV, measles and the boosters — is genuinely hard on no sleep. Here's the standard India schedule for the first two years, laid out simply, so you always know what's next.

By the Oh My Baby team — parents who built a baby tracker for our own daughter · Updated 22 May 2026 · Compiled from India's National Immunization Schedule (UIP) and IAP guidance. This is not medical advice — confirm your child's schedule with your paediatrician.

The schedule at a glance

UIP vs IAP — what's the difference?

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is the free government schedule offered at public health centres. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends an expanded list that may add or recommend vaccines like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Varicella (chickenpox), and Influenza, often given at private clinics. Your paediatrician will tell you which path applies to your child.

Tips so you never miss a dose

• Book the next appointment before you leave the current one.
• Keep a running record of dose, date, and the vaccine name — useful for school admissions and travel later.
• Set reminders a few days ahead, not on the day, so you can plan around clinic timings.
• Catch-up is possible — if a dose is delayed, it usually isn't "start over." Ask your doctor.

Vaccination tracking with the full India schedule (NIS + IAP) is now built into the app — due dates are computed automatically from your baby's birthday, and you can tick off each dose as it's given, with "due soon" and "overdue" flags so nothing slips.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if we miss a baby vaccine dose in India?
A missed dose usually doesn't mean starting over. Most vaccines have a catch-up schedule, and your paediatrician can resume the course from where you left off. Don't skip it — book the missed dose as soon as you can and ask your doctor for the catch-up plan.

Are baby vaccines free in India?
The vaccines under the government's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) are provided free at public health centres and government hospitals. The IAP-recommended extras (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Varicella, Influenza) are usually given at private clinics for a fee. Your paediatrician will advise which path suits your child.

What's the difference between the UIP and IAP schedules?
UIP is the free national government schedule covering the core vaccines. IAP is the Indian Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation set, which includes the core vaccines plus additional optional ones. Both protect against the major diseases.

Is a mild fever after vaccination normal?
A mild fever or soreness at the injection site in the day or two after some vaccines is common and usually settles on its own — but confirm what's normal and how to manage it with your paediatrician, and contact them about any high fever, persistent crying, or anything that worries you.

Can vaccines be given a few days early or late?
Minor timing differences are common and usually fine, but spacing between doses matters for some vaccines. Follow the dates your paediatrician sets on your child's immunization card rather than adjusting timing yourself.

Sources

• National Immunization Schedule, Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) — Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Advisory Committee on Vaccines & Immunization Practices (ACVIP) recommendations.

About the authors

Oh My Baby is built by two parents who created a free, private baby tracker after our own daughter's early weeks. We compile these guides from public health sources and our lived experience — and we always point you back to your paediatrician for medical decisions.

Related guides

• How we helped our newborn gain weight in a month
• Newborn feeding schedule by week

This is general information, not medical advice, and schedules change over time. Always follow your paediatrician and your child's immunization card for exact timing and vaccines.