The first time I held my daughter’s vaccination card, I felt like I was reading a document in a foreign language. BCG, OPV, IPV, DPT, Hep B, PCV, RV — it was alphabet soup. And then the pediatrician casually mentioned that the government schedule and the “IAP schedule” are different, and would I like the “optional” vaccines too?
Optional? How is protecting my baby from disease optional?
If you’re a new parent in India and you’re confused about vaccinations — which ones to get, when to get them, how much they cost, and whether the “extra” vaccines are really necessary — you’re not alone. So I made this guide — the one I wish someone had handed me in the hospital.
Disclaimer: This is an informational guide based on IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) and Government of India UIP (Universal Immunization Programme) recommendations. Always consult your pediatrician for your child’s specific vaccination plan.
Two Schedules: Government vs IAP — What’s the Difference?
Government UIP Schedule — Free at all government hospitals and PHCs (Primary Health Centres). Covers essential vaccines protecting against 12 major diseases. Every child in India should get these at minimum.
IAP Schedule — Recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Includes everything in the government schedule PLUS additional vaccines like Rotavirus, Pneumococcal (PCV), Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis A, Typhoid conjugate, Influenza, and HPV.
The short answer: If you can afford it, follow the IAP schedule for broader protection. If budget is a concern, the government schedule is absolutely effective and safe.
Complete Vaccination Chart: Birth to 5 Years
At Birth
| Vaccine | Prevents | Govt (Free) | IAP | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCG | Tuberculosis | Yes | Yes | ₹100-300 |
| OPV-0 | Polio | Yes | Yes | Free-₹100 |
| Hep B Birth | Liver infection | Yes | Yes | ₹150-300 |
Pro tip: These three are given within 24 hours of birth. Don’t leave the hospital without your child’s vaccination card — you’ll need it for school admissions and passport applications.
6 Weeks (1.5 Months)
| Vaccine | Prevents | Govt (Free) | IAP | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTwP/DTaP-1 | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis | Yes (DTwP) | Yes (DTaP) | ₹1,200-1,800 |
| IPV-1 | Polio (injectable) | Yes | Yes | ₹200-400 |
| Hep B-2 | Liver infection | Yes | Yes | ₹150-300 |
| Hib-1 | Meningitis, Pneumonia | Yes (combo) | Yes | In combo |
| Rotavirus-1 | Severe diarrhea | Some states | Yes | ₹1,000-1,500 |
| PCV-1 | Pneumonia, Meningitis | Some states | Yes | ₹3,200-4,200 |
DTwP vs DTaP: Both protect against the same diseases. DTwP (whole cell) is free but can cause more fever. DTaP (acellular) is gentler but costs more. Either is effective.
Pro tip: Ask about combo vaccines (Infanrix Hexa, Pentaxim) — fewer pricks, fewer visits.
10 Weeks (2.5 Months)
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTwP/DTaP-2 | Yes | Yes | ₹1,200-1,800 |
| IPV-2 | Yes | Yes | ₹200-400 |
| Hib-2 | Yes | Yes | In combo |
| Rotavirus-2 | Some states | Yes | ₹1,000-1,500 |
14 Weeks (3.5 Months)
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTwP/DTaP-3 | Yes | Yes | ₹1,200-1,800 |
| IPV-3 | Yes | Yes | ₹200-400 |
| Hib-3 | Yes | Yes | In combo |
| Rotavirus-3 | Some states | Yes | ₹1,000-1,500 |
| PCV-2 | Some states | Yes | ₹3,200-4,200 |
6 Months
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPV-1 (oral booster) | Yes | Yes | Free-₹100 |
| Hep B-3 | Yes | Yes | ₹150-300 |
| Influenza-1 | No | Yes | ₹800-1,500 |
About the flu vaccine: IAP recommends annual influenza vaccination starting at 6 months. Especially important for babies in daycare or with older siblings in school.
9-12 Months
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMR-1 | MR (free) | MMR | ₹300-600 |
| PCV Booster | Some states | Yes | ₹3,200-4,200 |
12 Months (1 Year)
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A-1 | No | Yes | ₹1,200-1,800 |
| Typhoid Conjugate | Some states | Yes | ₹1,500-2,500 |
Why Hepatitis A matters: It’s endemic in India — most children are exposed by age 5 through contaminated water or food. Two doses provide lifelong protection.
15-18 Months
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTwP/DTaP Booster-1 | Yes | Yes | ₹1,200-2,000 |
| IPV Booster | Yes | Yes | ₹200-400 |
| MMR-2 | Yes (MR) | Yes (MMR) | ₹300-600 |
| Varicella-1 | No | Yes | ₹1,200-2,000 |
About chickenpox vaccine: Many parents skip this thinking “chickenpox toh sabko hota hai.” But it can cause serious complications. The vaccine prevents about 95% of severe cases.
18 Months
Hepatitis A-2 — Second dose, 6 months after first. Cost: ₹1,200-1,800.
4-6 Years (School Entry)
| Vaccine | Govt | IAP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTwP/DTaP Booster-2 | Yes | Yes | ₹1,200-2,000 |
| OPV/IPV Booster | Yes | Yes | ₹200-400 |
| Varicella-2 | No | Yes | ₹1,200-2,000 |
Pro tip: Many schools now require a vaccination certificate at admission. Keep the card safe — photograph each page and keep it on your phone.
How Much Does the Full IAP Schedule Cost?
Government schedule only: Completely FREE.
Full IAP schedule at private clinic: Approximately ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 total from birth to 5 years.
Money-saving tips:
- Get UIP vaccines free at government centres, only the additional IAP vaccines at private clinics
- Ask about combo vaccines — fewer visits, sometimes cheaper per dose
- Some hospitals offer vaccination packages at discounted rates
- Check if your health insurance covers vaccinations
What If You’ve Missed a Vaccine?
Don’t panic. Your pediatrician can create a catch-up schedule. Most vaccines can be given later without starting the entire course over. Just call your doctor and get back on track.
Side Effects: What’s Normal, What’s Not
Normal after vaccination:
- Mild fever (up to 101°F) for 1-2 days
- Fussiness and extra crying
- Slight swelling at injection site
- Reduced appetite for a day
Call the doctor if:
- Fever above 103°F
- Inconsolable crying for more than 3 hours
- Severe swelling at injection site
- Rash or difficulty breathing (very rare — seek immediate care)
Pro tip: Keep infant paracetamol (Calpol/Crocin drops) at home. A lukewarm sponge bath also helps with post-vaccine fever.
Final Thoughts
Vaccinations can feel overwhelming — the number of visits, the crying, the costs, the conflicting advice from relatives (“Hamare zamaane mein toh kuch nahi lagwate the”). But every single dose is a shield you’re building around your child.
You don’t have to be perfect about it. But do follow through. Ask questions. Keep that card updated. Your baby is counting on you — and you’re already doing an incredible job by getting informed.
Have questions about your child’s vaccination schedule? Or a tip for making vaccination visits easier? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear from you.
Note: Costs are approximate 2025-2026 ranges across Indian cities. Prices vary by city, hospital, and vaccine brand. Schedule based on IAP ACVIP recommendations. Always confirm with your pediatrician.