What is the Indian Immunization Schedule?
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), run by India's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is the free national vaccination schedule offered at government health facilities. This calculator converts the standard age-based schedule into actual due dates for your child, so nothing gets missed between visits.
The full UIP schedule
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At birth | BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B (birth dose) |
| 6 weeks | OPV-1, Pentavalent-1 (DPT+HepB+Hib), Rotavirus-1, fIPV-1, PCV-1* |
| 10 weeks | OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, Rotavirus-2, PCV-2* |
| 14 weeks | OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, Rotavirus-3, fIPV-2, PCV-3* |
| 9–12 months | Measles-Rubella (MR)-1, JE-1**, Vitamin A (1st dose) |
| 16–24 months | DPT booster-1, OPV booster, MR-2, JE-2**, Vitamin A (2nd dose) |
| 2–5 years | Vitamin A (3rd–9th dose, every 6 months up to age 5) |
| 5–6 years | DPT booster-2 |
| 10 years | Td (Tetanus-diphtheria) |
| 16 years | Td (Tetanus-diphtheria) |
* PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) has been phased in progressively across Indian states — confirm local availability. ** JE (Japanese Encephalitis vaccine) is given only in JE-endemic districts, per state health department guidance.
Clinical use
- fIPV vs OPV: India uses fractional-dose Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) alongside Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) as part of the global polio eradication strategy — both are needed, not alternatives to each other.
- Catching up on missed doses: a missed dose doesn't mean restarting the whole series — the remaining doses are usually continued from where the child left off, spaced by the minimum recommended intervals. Confirm the catch-up plan with your paediatrician or health centre.
- Private-sector additions: many paediatricians also offer additional vaccines beyond the UIP (e.g. additional PCV doses where not yet universal, Hepatitis A, Typhoid conjugate, Varicella, HPV) as per the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) schedule — this calculator covers the government UIP schedule specifically.
- Keep a physical/digital record: most Indian states issue a Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card — keep it updated alongside this calculator as the official vaccination record.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UIP (Universal Immunization Programme)?
It's India's free, government-run national childhood vaccination schedule, delivered through government health facilities and outreach sessions, covering vaccines against 12+ diseases from birth through adolescence.
What if a vaccine dose is missed or delayed?
Missed doses don't require restarting the whole series in most cases — the schedule is usually resumed from the next due dose, respecting minimum intervals between doses. Confirm the specific catch-up plan with your paediatrician or nearest health centre.
Is the UIP schedule the same as the IAP (private paediatrician) schedule?
Not quite — the IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) schedule, often followed by private paediatricians, includes everything in the UIP plus additional vaccines not yet part of the government programme everywhere (e.g. extra PCV doses, Hepatitis A, Typhoid conjugate, Varicella, HPV). This calculator covers the government UIP schedule specifically — ask your paediatrician if you want the fuller IAP schedule.
Why does the schedule include both OPV and fIPV for polio?
India uses both oral polio vaccine (OPV) and fractional-dose inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) together as part of the global polio eradication strategy — fIPV provides strong protection against poliovirus type 2 (no longer covered by current OPV formulations) while OPV maintains broad community immunity.
Are all UIP vaccines free?
Yes — vaccines given under the UIP at government health facilities and outreach sessions are provided free of cost as part of India's national immunization programme.
Is PCV or JE vaccine given everywhere in India?
Not universally. PCV has been introduced progressively across states and is not yet available everywhere in the public system. JE vaccine is given only in districts where Japanese Encephalitis is endemic, per state-specific guidance — check with your local health centre for what applies in your area.
What should I bring to a vaccination visit?
Your child's Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card or vaccination record, so the health worker can confirm which doses are due and update the record accordingly.
References
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Universal Immunization Programme — National Immunization Schedule.
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) — IAP Immunization Timetable.
- World Health Organization. Polio eradication — the role of fIPV and OPV.