The IAP Vaccination Schedule: A Parent's Complete Guide (2024)
Why Vaccination is the Most Powerful Tool You Have as a Parent
Vaccines have eliminated smallpox, nearly eradicated polio, and reduced childhood deaths from measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough by over 95%. Yet every year, children suffer from preventable diseases simply because their parents were unsure about the schedule or worried about side effects.
This guide cuts through the confusion. Here is everything you need to know about the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) 2024 Immunisation Schedule.
Birth to 6 Weeks — The First Vaccines
At Birth:
- BCG — Tuberculosis (especially TB meningitis and miliary TB in infants)
- Hepatitis B (first dose) — Prevents chronic liver disease and liver cancer
- OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine) — First pulse dose
At 6 Weeks:
- DTwP/DTaP (1st dose) — Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
- IPV (1st dose) — Inactivated Polio Vaccine
- Hib (1st dose) — Haemophilus influenzae type b (meningitis, pneumonia)
- Hepatitis B (2nd dose)
- PCV (1st dose) — Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis)
- Rotavirus (1st dose) — Severe diarrheal disease
10 Weeks, 14 Weeks — Completing Primary Series
The 10-week and 14-week visits continue and complete the primary series for DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, PCV and Rotavirus. Never miss these appointments — a missed dose means incomplete protection.
6 Months to 12 Months — Critical Window
At 6 Months: Influenza vaccine (and annually thereafter — flu strains change every year).
At 9 Months: MMR first dose (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) + Vitamin A supplementation begins.
Newer Vaccines — What You Should Know
Several vaccines recommended by IAP are available in India but not always offered at every clinic. At Nurture Wellness Clinic, we stock all of these:
- Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses, given at 15 months and 4–6 years
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) — 9 months onwards
- Hepatitis A — 12 months, 2 doses
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) — Available for children at risk
- HPV Vaccine — 9–14 years for girls (and boys); 2 doses
Common Parent Concerns About Vaccination
Will the vaccine cause fever?
Mild fever (up to 38.5°C) is a normal immune response and not harmful. Give paracetamol as guided by your doctor. Do not pre-medicate before the vaccine as it may reduce immune response.
My baby is sick — should I delay the vaccine?
A mild cold, runny nose, or low-grade fever is NOT a reason to delay vaccination. Only delay if your child has moderate-to-severe illness with high fever.
Can I give multiple vaccines at once?
Yes. The immune system can handle multiple antigens simultaneously. Combination vaccines make this easier and reduce the number of injections.
Dr. Gaurav Singh's Advice
Keep a vaccination booklet from birth. Bring it to every visit. Never skip a dose — if you miss one, come in as soon as possible for a catch-up schedule. At Nurture Wellness, we'll always help you get back on track.
📍 Nurture Wellness Clinic & Immunisation Centre
U-4A, Green Park Main, New Delhi 110016
📞 +91 7827830157