India’s full immunization coverage has climbed from 62% in 2015 to 87.1% as of NFHS-6 (2023-24) - yet 13 in every 100 Indian babies still leave for home missing one or more life-saving vaccines. Most parents see the government schedule but don’t know which additional vaccines pediatricians recommend, what they cost privately, or what to do when a dose is missed. This guide gives you a single, complete reference: the 2026 government UIP chart, the IAP-recommended extras with rupee costs, post-vaccine care, catch-up rules, and the major 2026 update - India’s first free national HPV vaccination.
Quick Answer: The India baby vaccination schedule starts at birth (BCG, Hepatitis B, OPV) and runs through 14 - 16 years. The government’s UIP provides 12 free vaccines at health centres nationwide. Pediatricians additionally recommend 6 - 8 paid vaccines (influenza, hepatitis A, varicella, typhoid conjugate) available at private clinics, adding ₹20,000 - ₹35,000 in first-year costs.
UIP vs. IAP: Two Schedules Every Indian Parent Must Know
India has two parallel vaccination frameworks, and confusing one for the other is the most common mistake parents make.
The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Health Mission, covers 12 diseases at zero cost at government health centres, PHCs, and Anganwadi centres across India. The Pentavalent vaccine (DPT + Hepatitis B + Hib), IPV, Rotavirus, PCV, and MR are all provided free.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) - through its Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) - publishes an expanded schedule each year that includes additional vaccines not yet in the UIP. These are available at private paediatric clinics and require out-of-pocket payment.
| Feature | UIP (Government) | IAP Recommended (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Completely free | ₹20,000 - ₹35,000 (first year) |
| Availability | Govt hospitals, PHCs, Anganwadis | Private paediatric clinics, hospitals |
| DTP type | DTwP (whole-cell, painful) | DTaP (acellular, painless) option |
| Influenza | Not included | Yes - annual from 6 months |
| Hepatitis A | Not included | Yes - 12 months + booster |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Not included | Yes - 15 months + booster |
| Typhoid Conjugate | Select states only | Yes - 6 - 9 months |
Takeaway: The UIP protects against the most dangerous diseases at no cost. IAP-recommended extras provide broader protection, particularly against chickenpox, hepatitis A, and seasonal influenza - diseases common in India but not life-threatening enough to be in the free programme.
“��️ What most people get wrong here: Many parents assume the government schedule is “complete.” It is not - it is the baseline. Private paediatricians follow the expanded IAP schedule. If your baby is being seen at a private clinic, ask the doctor explicitly which schedule they are following and which additional vaccines they recommend.
Complete Baby Vaccination Chart India 2026 (Birth to 6 Years)
This table consolidates both UIP and IAP schedules. The “Status” column indicates whether the vaccine is free under UIP (government), recommended as IAP+ (paid, private), or available only in specific regions.
| Age | Vaccine | Disease(s) Prevented | Doses at This Visit | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth (0 - 24 hrs) | BCG | Tuberculosis (severe forms) | 1 | Intradermal | Free - UIP |
| Birth | Hepatitis B (Dose 1) | Hepatitis B | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| Birth | OPV-0 (Zero dose) | Polio | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP |
| 6 Weeks | DTwP or DTaP (Dose 1) | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 1 | Intramuscular | Free (DTwP) / Paid (DTaP) |
| 6 Weeks | IPV (Dose 1) | Polio (inactivated) | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 6 Weeks | Hepatitis B (Dose 2) | Hepatitis B | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 6 Weeks | Hib (Dose 1) | Hib meningitis, pneumonia | 1 | Intramuscular | Free (in Pentavalent) |
| 6 Weeks | Rotavirus (Dose 1) | Severe rotavirus diarrhoea | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP (expanded) |
| 6 Weeks | PCV (Dose 1) | Pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP (expanded) |
| 10 Weeks | DTwP/DTaP (Dose 2) | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 1 | Intramuscular | Free / Paid |
| 10 Weeks | IPV (Dose 2) | Polio | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 10 Weeks | Hib (Dose 2) | Hib | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 10 Weeks | Rotavirus (Dose 2) | Rotavirus diarrhoea | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP |
| 10 Weeks | PCV (Dose 2) | Pneumococcal | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 14 Weeks | DTwP/DTaP (Dose 3) | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 1 | Intramuscular | Free / Paid |
| 14 Weeks | IPV (Dose 3) | Polio | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 14 Weeks | Hib (Dose 3) | Hib | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 14 Weeks | Hepatitis B (Dose 3) | Hepatitis B | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 14 Weeks | Rotavirus (Dose 3) | Rotavirus diarrhoea | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP |
| 14 Weeks | PCV (Dose 3) | Pneumococcal | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 6 Months | Influenza (Dose 1) | Seasonal influenza | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 7 Months | Influenza (Dose 2) | Seasonal influenza | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid, only if first dose <9 months) |
| 6 - 9 Months | Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) | Typhoid fever | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 9 Months | MMR (Dose 1) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 1 | Subcutaneous | Free - UIP (MR); MMR at private |
| 9 Months | OPV (Booster) | Polio | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP |
| 9 Months | JE (Dose 1) | Japanese Encephalitis | 1 | Subcutaneous | Free - UIP (endemic districts only) |
| 12 Months | Hepatitis A (Dose 1) | Hepatitis A | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 12 - 15 Months | PCV Booster | Pneumococcal | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 13 Months | JE (Dose 2) | Japanese Encephalitis | 1 | Subcutaneous | Free - UIP (endemic districts) |
| 15 Months | MMR (Dose 2) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 1 | Subcutaneous | Free - UIP / Private |
| 15 Months | Varicella (Dose 1) | Chickenpox | 1 | Subcutaneous | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 16 - 18 Months | DTwP/DTaP Booster | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 16 - 18 Months | OPV Booster | Polio | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP |
| 16 - 18 Months | IPV Booster | Polio | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 16 - 18 Months | Hib Booster | Hib | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 18 - 24 Months | Hepatitis A (Dose 2) | Hepatitis A | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 18 - 24 Months | Varicella (Dose 2) | Chickenpox | 1 | Subcutaneous | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 2 - 3 Years | Typhoid Conjugate (Booster) | Typhoid fever | 1 | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 2 - 5 Years | Influenza (Annual) | Seasonal influenza | 1/year | Intramuscular | IAP+ (Paid) |
| 4 - 6 Years | DTP Booster (2nd) | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | 1 | Intramuscular | Free - UIP |
| 4 - 6 Years | OPV Booster | Polio | 1 | Oral | Free - UIP |
| 4 - 6 Years | MMR (Dose 3) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 1 | Subcutaneous | IAP+ (Paid) |
Takeaway: Between 6 weeks and 14 weeks, your baby receives the most vaccines in the shortest window. Most private clinics use a hexavalent (6-in-1) combination shot at this stage - this reduces the number of injections from 5 - 6 separate jabs to 1 - 2 per visit.
Free vs. Paid Vaccines in India 2026: What Each Costs
Parents choosing private paediatric care need a realistic cost picture before their first appointment. The numbers below reflect 2025 - 2026 private clinic pricing across major Indian cities.
| Vaccine | Free Under UIP | Private Cost (per dose) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCG | Yes | ₹100 - ₹300 | Free at govt; rarely purchased privately |
| Hepatitis B | Yes | ₹50 - ₹150 | Part of Pentavalent in UIP |
| OPV | Yes | ₹50 | Always free |
| DTwP (painful DTP) | Yes | ₹200 - ₹500 | Free at govt centres |
| DTaP (painless DTP) | No | ₹800 - ₹1,500 | Private only; acellular pertussis |
| Hexavalent combo (6-in-1) | No | ₹3,000 - ₹4,500 | DTaP + IPV + Hib + Hep B in one shot |
| IPV | Yes | ₹300 - ₹500 | - |
| Rotavirus | Yes (expanding) | ₹700 - ₹1,500 | 3-dose oral series |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) - Synflorix/Pneumosil | Yes (expanding) | ₹1,800 - ₹3,000 | Govt expanding nationally since 2024 |
| PCV - Prevenar-13 | No | ₹3,500 - ₹4,800 | Premium brand; private only |
| MMR | Yes | ₹500 - ₹1,000 | UIP gives MR; MMR (with mumps) at private |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | No | ₹1,200 - ₹2,000 | IAP recommended; 2 doses |
| Hepatitis A | No | ₹800 - ₹1,200 | 2 doses; IAP recommended from 12 months |
| Typhoid Conjugate (TCV) | Partial (select states) | ₹350 - ₹600 | IAP from 6 - 9 months |
| Influenza | No | ₹800 - ₹1,500 | Annual; 2 doses in first year if <9 months |
| HPV (Gardasil-4) | Yes - 14-yr girls (2026) | ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 | Free at govt for 14-yr girls since Feb 2026 |
Estimated total cost - first 2 years, private sector: ₹50,000 - ₹80,000. Estimated total cost - UIP government route: ₹0 (all essential vaccines free).
📊 What the research shows: According to a PubMed study on Hepatitis B seroprotection in Indian children, vaccination is effective in 68% of children but antibody levels decline steadily with age - making the birth dose within 24 hours particularly critical for long-term protection.
Painful vs. Painless DTP Vaccine: What Indian Parents Need to Know
The most frequent question at private paediatric clinics in India is whether to choose the “painful” or “painless” DTP vaccine. This is not just a comfort preference - it has clinical implications.
DTwP (Whole-Cell Pertussis - “Painful”)
Used in the government UIP programme. Causes more injection-site redness, soreness, and fever (typically 24 - 48 hours). Produces a robust and long-lasting immune response. The evidence on hexavalent vaccines in India (PubMed, 2019) shows that whole-cell pertussis (wP) combinations have excellent immunogenicity. Cost: free under UIP.
DTaP (Acellular Pertussis - “Painless”)
Available at private clinics, ₹800 - ₹1,500 per dose. Fewer immediate reactions. However, clinical trial data (PMC, 2017) shows acellular pertussis immunity may wane faster, which is why IAP recommends a Tdap booster for adolescents who received the DTaP series. For high-risk babies (premature, low birth weight, family history of febrile seizures), the painless option may be preferable - always discuss with your paediatrician.
“��️ What most people get wrong here: Choosing the “painless” vaccine does not mean your baby won’t cry or have a reaction - the injection itself still causes pain and there can still be a mild fever. The “painless” label refers specifically to reduced reactogenicity at the injection site, not the overall experience of the visit.
Bottom line: Both vaccines are safe and effective. The difference is immediate post-vaccine comfort vs. theoretical long-term immunity durability. If budget allows and your baby has had difficult reactions to DTwP, DTaP is a reasonable switch - but discuss this explicitly with your paediatrician before changing brands.
State-Specific Add-Ons: JE Vaccine and Regional Differences
Not every vaccine on the schedule applies uniformly across India. The government customises certain vaccines by geography and disease burden.
| Vaccine | Where Applied | Who Gets It | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Encephalitis (JE) | Endemic districts only | All children in qualifying districts | Doses at 9 and 13 months |
| Rotavirus | All India (UIP) | All infants | National expansion complete as of 2024 |
| Typhoid Conjugate (TCV) | Select state UIP programmes | All infants where available | Universally available privately |
| PCV | All India (expanding UIP) | All infants | National expansion from 2024 |
| HPV | All India - 14-year-old girls | Girls aged 14 (and turning 15 within 90 days) | Launched Feb 28, 2026 |
Japanese Encephalitis districts include large parts of UP, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, and Manipur. If you live in or have recently moved from a JE-endemic state, confirm your child’s JE vaccination status with your paediatrician even if they were born in a non-endemic area.
For new parents planning their baby’s birth in a different city than their home state, confirm which state’s UIP schedule applies - the hospital where birth occurs determines the initial UIP vaccines administered.
If you’re navigating hospital choices for delivery, the C-section delivery cost guide by city breaks down what to expect from major maternity hospitals across India.
What to Expect After Each Vaccine: Fever, Fussiness, and Emergency Signs
Post-vaccine reactions are the most anxiety-inducing part of immunisation for Indian parents. The key is separating normal immune responses from genuine emergencies.
Normal Reactions (Expected - No Action Needed)
| Reaction | Onset | Duration | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injection site redness/swelling | Within hours | 1 - 3 days | Cool, damp cloth - do not apply turmeric or home remedies |
| Low-grade fever (below 102°F / 38.9°C) | 2 - 12 hours | 1 - 2 days | Light clothing, extra fluids, lukewarm sponge bath |
| Fussiness, crying, poor appetite | 2 - 24 hours | 24 - 48 hours | Extra comfort and feeding; breastfeeding soothes post-vaccine pain |
| Drowsiness or sleep disruption | 12 - 24 hours | 24 hours | Normal immune response - let baby rest |
Takeaway: Breastfeeding immediately before and after vaccination significantly reduces infant pain - it is evidence-based comfort care, not just a cultural habit.
For breastfeeding guidance from birth through the first year, see the complete breastfeeding guide for Indian mothers, which covers positions, latching, and managing supply during periods of illness.
The Paracetamol Rule - Read This Before Your Next Appointment
Do not give paracetamol (Calpol, Metacin, Fepanil) before vaccination. Post-vaccine fever is evidence that your child’s immune system is mounting a response. Suppressing it pre-emptively with paracetamol may reduce the antibody response - the opposite of what you want.
Give paracetamol only if:
- Fever exceeds 102°F (38.9°C)
- Baby is clearly very uncomfortable and distressed
- More than 24 hours have passed since the vaccine
Emergency Signs - Call 108 Immediately
| Sign | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Difficulty or noisy breathing | Possible anaphylaxis |
| Swelling of face, lips, or tongue | Possible anaphylaxis |
| Widespread hives + vomiting | Possible anaphylaxis |
| Pale, grey, or blue skin | Circulatory collapse |
| Seizures or convulsions | Neurological emergency |
| Completely floppy, unresponsive | Severe systemic reaction |
Any fever in a baby under 3 months of age (temperature >=100.4°F / 38°C) is a medical emergency - call your paediatrician the same day, even at night.
Most vaccination centres observe babies for 15 - 30 minutes post-injection specifically to catch anaphylaxis early. Do not leave the clinic before this observation window completes.
“��️ What most people get wrong here: Parents sometimes mistake the normal firm lump (nodule) that forms at a BCG injection site for an abscess and apply home remedies. The BCG nodule - which appears 2 - 6 weeks after injection, may form a small ulcer, and heals in 2 - 3 months - is a normal part of the BCG response, not an infection. Do not squeeze, bandage, or apply creams to it.
If Your Baby Missed a Vaccine: The Catch-Up Protocol
Missing a vaccine appointment does not mean restarting the entire series. This is one of the most widespread misconceptions among Indian parents, and it causes unnecessary delays in protection.
The three catch-up rules:
- Never restart. Immune memory preserves all previously received doses. Resume from the next due dose.
- Maintain minimum intervals. Each vaccine has a minimum interval between doses. Going shorter than this minimum reduces effectiveness. Your paediatrician’s schedule will account for this.
- Act promptly. The longer the gap, the longer your child is unprotected. Contact your paediatrician as soon as you realise a dose was missed - not at the next routine visit.
Special time-sensitive rule for Rotavirus: The rotavirus vaccine has a hard cutoff. The first dose must be given before 15 weeks of age and the complete series must be finished before 32 weeks (8 months). After 8 months, the vaccine is not given regardless of how many doses were missed - the risk of intussusception (a bowel complication) increases with age.
If your baby missed this window entirely, do not attempt to catch up on rotavirus - move forward with the rest of the schedule.
2026 Update: India’s Free HPV Vaccination for 14-Year-Old Girls
The most significant vaccine development of 2026 is India’s first-ever free nationwide HPV vaccination.
On February 28, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a free HPV vaccination campaign targeting approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years across all states and Union Territories. The vaccine being administered is Gardasil-4 (quadrivalent HPV vaccine, confirmed by the Press Information Bureau) - protecting against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
Why this matters:
- India accounts for 25% of all global cervical cancer deaths
- HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers
- The vaccine is 93 - 100% effective when given before HPV exposure
- A 90-day intensive daily vaccination drive was planned, with the programme then becoming a routine part of the government immunization calendar
For girls outside the 14-year window: IAP recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 - 15 years. Private clinics offer the vaccine at ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 per dose (2 doses, 6 months apart). For older adolescents (16 - 26 years), 3 doses are recommended.
📊 What the research shows: According to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, India’s HPV vaccination programme is the largest in the world targeting adolescent girls. The programme is procured in partnership with Gavi to ensure uninterrupted vaccine supply.
For parents of daughters with any thyroid or autoimmune conditions, note that HPV vaccines are considered safe - but for high-risk pregnancies or hormonal conditions, relevant context is covered in the thyroid and pregnancy guide for Indian women.
India’s Immunisation Coverage in 2026: What NFHS-6 Tells Us
The NFHS-6 (National Family Health Survey 2023-24), released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 29, 2026, provides the most current picture of India’s immunisation performance.
| Metric | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full immunisation coverage (12-23 months) | 83.8% | 87.1% | +3.3 pp |
| Rotavirus vaccine coverage | 36.4% | 85.4% | +49 pp |
| MCV2 (second measles dose) | 58.6% | 71.8% | +13.2 pp |
| Vaccinations at govt health centres | - | 95.6% | Baseline |
Takeaway: Rotavirus is the standout performer - a 49 percentage-point jump in 4 years, directly attributable to the UIP national expansion. But full immunisation is still 12.9% short of 100%, meaning roughly 1 in 8 Indian children is leaving with an incomplete schedule.
Mission Indradhanush, India’s targeted immunisation catch-up programme for underserved regions, improved coverage by 18.5 percentage points in its target geographies - evidence that the gap in full immunisation is a coverage and access problem, not a vaccine supply problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines are completely free for babies in India in 2026? Under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the Government of India provides the following vaccines free at government health centres: BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent (DPT + Hib + Hep B), IPV, Rotavirus, PCV (Pneumococcal), MR/MMR (Measles-Rubella), Typhoid (in select states), Japanese Encephalitis (in endemic districts), Vitamin A, and Td (10 and 16 years). As of February 2026, the government also added a free HPV vaccine for 14-year-old girls. Private hospitals charge ₹20,000 - ₹35,000 for the full first year of additional IAP-recommended vaccines.
What is the difference between the painful and painless DTP vaccine? The painful vaccine uses whole-cell pertussis (DTwP) - it is free under the UIP and produces stronger immunity. The painless vaccine uses acellular pertussis (DTaP) - it costs ₹800 - ₹1,500 per dose at private clinics, causes fewer reactions like fever and soreness, but may require booster doses more frequently as immunity wanes faster. The IAP supports both options; the painless version is popular in private settings but not superior in long-term efficacy.
My baby missed a vaccine appointment - do I need to restart the entire schedule? No. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics follows a ‘catch-up’ protocol: you never restart a vaccine series, regardless of how long the gap has been. Immune memory ensures prior doses remain valid. Consult your pediatrician as soon as possible to resume from where the schedule was interrupted, maintaining the minimum interval between doses. Delays increase the unprotected window - act promptly, but do not panic.
Should I give my baby Calpol (paracetamol) before vaccination to prevent fever? No. Pediatricians advise against giving paracetamol prophylactically before vaccination. Fever is a sign the immune system is responding - suppressing it pre-emptively may reduce vaccine effectiveness. Give paracetamol only if fever exceeds 102°F (38.9°C) or your baby is clearly very uncomfortable. For mild post-vaccine fever (under 102°F), light clothing, hydration, and a lukewarm sponge bath are sufficient.
Why does my baby get a fever after vaccination - is it dangerous? Post-vaccine fever is a normal immune response - it means the vaccine is working. It typically appears within 24 hours and lasts 1 - 2 days. In a baby over 3 months, a fever up to 102°F (38.9°C) can be managed at home. A fever in any baby under 3 months of age (temperature >=100.4°F / 38°C) is a medical emergency requiring same-day evaluation. Most post-vaccine fevers resolve within 48 hours without treatment.
Is the HPV vaccine now free for girls in India in 2026? Yes. Prime Minister Modi launched a free nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28, 2026. Under this programme, approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years will receive a single dose of the Gardasil-4 (quadrivalent HPV) vaccine free of cost at government health facilities. Girls turning 15 within 90 days of the launch were also eligible. For girls aged 9 - 13 who miss the government programme, private HPV vaccination costs ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 per dose (2 doses recommended).
What are the emergency warning signs after a baby vaccine that require immediate care? Call 108 (ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you see: difficulty or noisy breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, widespread hives accompanied by vomiting, pale or blue skin colour, seizures or convulsions, or a floppy and unresponsive baby. These may indicate anaphylaxis - a rare but serious allergic reaction. Most vaccination centres require babies to wait 15 - 30 minutes after injection specifically to observe for this reaction.
After what age can the rotavirus vaccine no longer be given? The rotavirus vaccine has a strict age window. The first dose must be given before 15 weeks (IAP guideline) and the final dose must be completed before 32 weeks (8 months) of age. Starting or continuing the series after 8 months is not recommended because the risk of intussusception (a rare but serious bowel complication) increases with age. If your baby is approaching 8 months with incomplete doses, consult your pediatrician immediately.
What to Do Before Your Baby’s Next Vaccine Appointment
- Carry your baby’s immunization card to every visit - private and government clinics both stamp it.
- Do not give paracetamol before the appointment.
- Breastfeed your baby before and right after each injection.
- Plan to stay at the clinic for 15 - 30 minutes after vaccination.
- If your baby is unwell (fever, diarrhoea, active infection) on the scheduled day, call ahead - most vaccines can be safely delayed by a few days; your paediatrician will advise.
- Verify your paediatrician’s credentials on the NMC Indian Medical Register and check your hospital’s NABH accreditation status for quality assurance.
Keep your immunization card. It is required for school admissions, international travel, and any medical emergency involving your child. Most states now have the Universal Immunisation Programme record available digitally via the CoWIN portal.