Child vaccination: the schedule, free services and common myths

Vaccines protect children from serious diseases. India's Universal Immunisation Programme offers vaccines free at government health centres, including BCG, hepatitis B, polio, pentavalent (which covers diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B and Hib), rotavirus, pneumococcal and measles–rubella, with a Japanese encephalitis vaccine in affected areas and boosters at later ages.

Keep your child's vaccination card safe and follow the dates your doctor or ANM gives you. If a dose is missed, go as soon as you can. In most cases the schedule can be resumed without starting over. The government's U-WIN platform can also be used to keep digital records.

Some myths: vaccines do not cause autism, giving several vaccines in one visit is safe, and mild fever, soreness or fussiness for a day or two are common and usually pass. Seek help if there is a high fever that does not settle, a seizure, or trouble breathing.

Other vaccines, such as typhoid and chickenpox, may be advised by your paediatrician.

General information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor for any health concern.