Vaccination is one of the most important parts of a child’s preventive healthcare. From the first vaccines given after birth to booster doses during school years and adolescence, each vaccination helps protect children from specific vaccine-preventable diseases. For parents, keeping track of different doses and age milestones can sometimes feel confusing. A Pediatrician in Rohini can help parents understand which vaccines are due and how to maintain an appropriate immunization schedule.
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The National Immunization Schedule in India includes vaccines given at birth, during infancy, in the second year of life, and later during childhood and adolescence. The exact vaccination plan may also depend on a child’s health, previous doses, and the recommendations of the treating pediatrician.
Why is childhood vaccination important?
Vaccines prepare the immune system to recognize and respond to certain infections. Completing recommended doses on time provides protection during the stages when children are particularly vulnerable to infections.
Vaccination is also not limited to infancy. Some vaccines require multiple primary doses followed by booster doses. As children grow older, additional immunizations may be advised according to national or pediatric recommendations.
Bhagwati Hospital encourages parents to keep a vaccination record and discuss every due dose with their child’s healthcare provider.
Vaccines needed at different stages of childhood
At birth
The National Immunization Schedule recommends three important birth doses:
- BCG vaccine
- Hepatitis B birth dose
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)-0
These vaccines are intended to be given around birth, with Hepatitis B preferably administered within 24 hours. OPV-0 is given at birth or as early as possible within the recommended early-life window.
Parents should make sure these doses are recorded before leaving the hospital or shortly after delivery.
At 6 weeks
Around six weeks, the vaccination schedule becomes more extensive. The National Immunization Schedule includes:
- OPV-1
- Pentavalent-1
- Rotavirus vaccine-1
- Fractional inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV)-1
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)-1
This is an important milestone because several vaccines begin their primary series during this period.
At 10 weeks
At 10 weeks, children receive the next doses of:
- OPV-2
- Pentavalent-2
- Rotavirus vaccine-2
Following the recommended timing helps maintain continuity in the primary immunization series.
At 14 weeks
The next major milestone is 14 weeks. The National Immunization Schedule includes:
- OPV-3
- Pentavalent-3
- fIPV-2
- Rotavirus vaccine-3
- PCV-2
Parents should keep the vaccination card updated after every visit. If a scheduled dose is missed, they should speak with a Pediatrician in Rohini rather than deciding independently whether to restart or skip the vaccination series.
Vaccinations around 9–12 months
During late infancy, the vaccination schedule includes important vaccines and booster doses. The National Immunization Schedule lists:
- Measles-Rubella (MR)-1
- Japanese Encephalitis (JE)-1 in selected areas
- PCV booster
The current Ministry of Health and Family Welfare routine immunization material also lists fractional IPV-3 and the first Vitamin A dose at this stage. JE vaccination is applicable in selected endemic areas.
This stage is a good time for parents to review the vaccination record with a pediatric healthcare provider and confirm upcoming doses.
Vaccinations during 16–24 months
The second year of life includes several booster vaccinations. Under the National Immunization Schedule, children receive:
- MR-2
- JE-2 in selected areas
- DPT booster-1
- OPV booster
These doses help continue protection established through earlier immunization.
Bhagwati Hospital recommends that parents keep the vaccination card accessible and bring it to every pediatric visit. A complete record makes it easier to identify which doses have already been administered.
Vaccination at 5–6 years
At approximately 5–6 years, the National Immunization Schedule recommends the second DPT booster.
This booster is another important part of maintaining protection as children become more active at school and in community settings.
Vaccines during adolescence
Vaccination continues beyond early childhood. The National Immunization Schedule recommends Td vaccination at 10 years and again at 16 years.
In addition to the national schedule, pediatric vaccination recommendations can include vaccines that are not part of the routine government immunization schedule. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics provides information on vaccines such as hepatitis A, influenza, HPV, meningococcal, MMR, varicella and others.
Therefore, parents should discuss age-appropriate vaccines with a Pediatrician in Rohini, especially when planning immunization beyond the routine schedule.
What if a child misses a vaccine?
Missing a scheduled vaccination does not mean parents should ignore the dose. The appropriate next step is to review the child’s vaccination history with a pediatrician. The doctor can assess previous doses and advise parents about the next appropriate vaccination.
Do not rely on memory alone. The vaccination card, previous medical records, or immunization documentation can help the doctor make an informed decision.
Bhagwati Hospital also emphasizes the value of maintaining vaccination records because children may need proof of immunization for school or other healthcare requirements.
How parents can stay organized
A few simple habits can make childhood immunization easier to manage:
- Keep the vaccination card safely.
- Note the next scheduled appointment before leaving the clinic.
- Share previous vaccination records when visiting a new doctor.
- Ask about missed or delayed doses instead of skipping them.
- Discuss additional vaccines based on the child’s age and individual needs.
- Follow the schedule recommended by your child’s pediatric healthcare provider.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics maintains dedicated immunization resources and its 2025 Purple Book of Immunization, reflecting the importance of keeping pediatric vaccination guidance updated.
Conclusion
Childhood vaccination is a step-by-step process that begins at birth and continues through infancy, early childhood and adolescence. Birth vaccines, primary infant doses, booster vaccinations and adolescent doses all have an important place in preventive healthcare.
Parents do not have to manage the schedule alone. A Pediatrician in Rohini can review the child’s vaccination history, explain upcoming doses and help address questions about delayed or additional vaccinations. Bhagwati Hospital recommends keeping immunization records updated and discussing the child’s individual vaccination needs during regular pediatric care.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner in your journey to parenthood, look no further than Bhagwati Hospital. Visit https://bhagwatihospital.in/ today and take the first step toward making your dreams come true.