Vaccination plays a vital role in safeguarding your baby from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has implemented the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which offers a range of free vaccines for infants and children through government healthcare centers. For parents seeking baby vaccination in Delhi, understanding the national immunization schedule is essential to ensure timely protection. If you’re a new parent, knowing which vaccines are mandatory and when they should be administered can make all the difference in your child’s healthy development.
Compulsory Vaccines for Babies in India (As per National Immunization Schedule)
Here is a list of mandatory vaccines for infants in India along with their recommended vaccination schedule:
1. BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin)
- When: At birth or within the first month
- Purpose: Protects against tuberculosis (TB)
2. OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)
- When: At birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks
- Purpose: Prevents poliomyelitis (polio)
3. Hepatitis B
- When: At birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks
- Purpose: Prevents hepatitis B infection
4. Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT + Hib + Hep B)
- When: 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- Purpose: Protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and hepatitis B
5. Rotavirus Vaccine
- When: 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- Purpose: Protects against rotavirus diarrhea
6. IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
- When: 6 and 14 weeks
- Purpose: Boosts protection against polio
7. PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
- When: 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and booster at 9 months
- Purpose: Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis
8. Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine
- When: 9–12 months and 16–24 months
- Purpose: Prevents measles and rubella
Why Are These Vaccines Compulsory?
These vaccines are essential to:
- Prevent deadly childhood diseases
- Boost community immunity (herd immunity)
- Reduce child mortality and disability
- Ensure long-term health and growth
Additional Recommended (Optional) Vaccines in India
While not mandatory under the UIP, many pediatricians in India recommend these additional vaccines for broader protection:
- Influenza vaccine
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
These are often available at private baby vaccination clinics in Delhi and other metro cities.
Where to Get Baby Vaccination in India?
You can get your baby vaccinated at:
- Government hospitals and primary health centers (free of cost)
- Private hospitals and newborn baby clinics
- Baby vaccination centers in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
Many clinics also offer baby immunization packages and digital vaccine tracking apps.
Tips for Parents
- Follow the baby vaccination chart recommended by your pediatrician.
- Keep your baby’s immunization record updated.
- Always check the expiry date and batch number of the vaccine administered.
- Monitor your baby for mild side effects like fever or swelling at the injection site.
Conclusion
Vaccinating your baby is a vital part of responsible parenting. The compulsory baby vaccines in India are scientifically proven to offer strong protection against serious diseases. Whether you choose a government center or a private pediatric clinic, timely immunization ensures your child’s healthy future.