As they hold their newborns close, parents face the responsibility of ensuring their little ones receive timely immunizations to protect against preventable diseases. Understanding the vaccination schedule, grasping the significance of each shot, and staying informed about healthcare recommendations become vital aspects of parenting.
Here is the vaccination chart for babies in India under the national immunization schedule for 2023.
| Age (completed Weeks / Months / Years) | Vaccines | Doses | Content Tag | |
| Birth | Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV 0) | Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) | OPV | BCG |
| Hepatitis B (HB 1) | Hep-B | |||
| 6 Weeks | Inactive Polio Vaccine (IPV** 1) | Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine (DTP 1) | IPV | DTP |
| Hepatitis B (HB 2) | Hep-B | |||
| Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HiB 1) | HiB | |||
| Rotavirus 1 | Rotavirus | |||
| Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 1) | PCV | |||
| 10 Weeks | Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HiB 2) | Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine (DTP 2) | HiB | DTP |
| Inactive Polio Vaccine (IPV** 2) | IPV | |||
| Hepatitis B (HB 3) | Hep-B | |||
| Rotavirus 2 | Rotavirus | |||
| Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 2) | PCV | |||
| 14 Weeks | Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HiB 3) | Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine (DTP 3) | HiB | DTP |
| Inactive Polio Vaccine (IPV** 3) | IPV | |||
| Hepatitis B (HB 4) | Hep-B | |||
| Rotavirus 3**** | Rotavirus | |||
| Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 3) | PCV | |||
| 6 Months | InfluenzaOPV | 12 | TCV | |
| 9-12 Months | Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR 1) Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine | 1 | MMR | |
| 12 Months | Hepatitis A (Hep A1) | 12 | Hep-A | |
| 13-15 Months | Varicella 1 | Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR 2) | Varicella | MMR |
| PCV Booster 1 | PCV | |||
| 16-18 Months | Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV*** B1) | Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR 2) | IPV | DTP |
| Hepatitis A (Hep A2*****) | Hep-A | |||
| Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HiB B1) | HiB | |||
| 4-6 Years | Varicella 1 | Diptheria, Perussis and Tetanus (DTP B2) | Varicella | DTP |
| PCV Booster 1 | MMR | |||
| 9-14 Years | Human Papilloma Virus (HPV 1 & 2) | Tdap | HPV | Tdap |
| 15-18 Years | Human Papilloma Virus (HPV 1, 2 & 3) | Td | HPV | Tdap |
Your Baby’s Vaccination Journey: Dos and Don’ts
After receiving vaccinations, some children may experience mild reactions such as a rash, slight fever, or discomfort. Recognizing and managing these side effects is important for parents. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you navigate your baby’s vaccination experience and minimize any discomfort.
Do’s
- Comfort and Reassure: Provide comfort and reassurance to your baby during and after vaccination. Hold them close, speak soothingly, and offer cuddles to help them feel secure.
- Follow the Recommended Vaccination Schedule: Adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule provided by your healthcare provider to ensure timely and adequate protection against preventable diseases.
- Observe for Any Reactions: Keep an eye on your baby for any signs of reaction to the vaccine, such as fever, fussiness, or swelling at the injection site. Contact your pediatrician if you notice any concerning symptoms.
- Offer Fluids: Encourage your baby to stay hydrated by offering plenty of fluids, such as breast milk, formula, or water, after vaccination to help prevent dehydration.
- Use Pain Relief if Necessary: If your baby experiences discomfort or pain after vaccination, you can use infant pain relievers as recommended by your pediatrician. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Don’ts
- Avoid Skipping Vaccinations: Do not skip or delay vaccinations without consulting your healthcare provider. Timely vaccination is crucial for your baby’s health and immunity against diseases.
- Don’t Panic: It’s natural to feel concerned about your baby’s well-being, but try to remain calm and composed during and after vaccination. Your calm attitude can help reassure your baby.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Refrain from dressing your baby in tight or restrictive clothing that may irritate the injection site. Choose loose, comfortable clothing to minimize discomfort.
FAQs About Newborn Vaccination
- How to treat baby fever after vaccination?
You can give infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen under the guidance of your pediatrician to help reduce fever. Keep your baby hydrated and monitor their temperature closely.
- Is it safe to give a bath to the baby after vaccination?
It is generally safe to give your baby a bath after vaccination. However, avoid using very hot water, and be gentle around the injection site.
- What are some vaccinations recommended for children exposed to high-risk areas?
Vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis may be recommended for children living in or traveling to high-risk areas.
- Can I feed my baby before and after the vaccination?
Yes, it is safe to feed your baby before and after vaccination. Breastfeeding or offering formula can help comfort your baby during and after the vaccination process.
- How to take care of a baby after vaccination?
Provide comfort, monitor for any reactions, offer fluids, and follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for pain relief if necessary.
