Parents always want the best for kids; vaccination is one of the best ways of protecting infants and children from fatal infections and complications arising from them. Thus, for parents who are searching for child vaccination in Siliguri, understanding vaccination schedules can make their job much easier. A child's immunisation schedule can include vaccines recommended by India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) as well as child vaccines that paediatric experts may recommend. These schedules may vary depending on a child's age, health, previous vaccination history, and the advice of a paediatrician.
Read More: Top 10 Reasons to Visit a Paediatrician Specialist in Siliguri for Regular Checkups
Why is vaccination important for children?
Vaccines prepare the immune system to fight specific infections. Completing the recommended doses at the right ages can help prevent serious illness and protect children during the critical periods of their development. Vaccination not only protects the child but also helps control the rate of disease in a community when enough people get vaccinated. The most important thing for parents to remember is not simply getting vaccines but getting the vaccine they need at the right time and completing the recommended doses.
Child's vaccination schedule: Birth to adolescence
The recommended vaccination schedules by paediatric groups include several vaccines during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP ) Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation Practices (ACVIP) updates its recommendations for children aged 0 to 18 in 2025, including those for existing and newly licensed vaccines.
At Birth:
Some important vaccines are recommended around the time of birth, including :
- BCG vaccine
- Hepatitis B birth dose
- Oral polio vaccine (OPV ) birth dose.
The hepatitis B birth dose is particularly time-sensitive and should be given as recommended by the treating healthcare team.
At 6 weeks
At about six weeks of age, the child's primary vaccination series typically begins. This phase may also involve the administration of :
- Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus ( DPT/DTwP or DTaP )
- Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
- Haemophilus influenzae type(HIB )
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
- Rotavirus vaccine
- Hepatitis B as part of a combination vaccine
This well-baby examination is also the ideal time for parents to discuss their concerns about the child's feeding schedules, growth and development, and other issues with their paediatrician.
At 10 weeks
The next round of primary series vaccinations is usually scheduled at around 10 weeks. These can include subsequent doses of :
- DPT/DTwP or DTaP
- IPV
- Hib
- PCV
- Rotavirus
Parents should maintain the vaccination card carefully because the previous vaccines show which ones are due or missing.
At 14 weeks
The third round of primary series vaccinations is usually done around 14 weeks. Depending on the formulation and individual schedule, this may be completed with additional doses of :
- DPT / DTwP or DTaP
- IPV
- Hib
- PCV
- Roastvirus
The exact number if disease can differ between vaccine products, so parents should follow the schedule prescribed for their child rather than comparing it with another child's vaccination card.
Vaccinations around 6 months:
As the infant grows older, they may require additional vaccines. Some children may also need to be vaccinated against influenza and other infections depending on individual health, age, season, and risk. Parents should know that infant vaccination requires later doses or boosters to maintain immunity.
Vaccinations from 9 to 12 months:
This is an important age for vaccinations since the vaccines against measles and other infections become due at this time according to the appropriate schedule. Depending on whether the child is following the government UIP schedule or the recommended IAP schedule, the vaccines offered could vary. For example, the government programme offers the measles-rubella (MR ) vaccine at the recommended age, whereas paediatricians may recommend MMR vaccines according to the child's individual schedule.
Vaccinations at 12 to 18 months:
During the second year of life, children can receive several important vaccines and booster doses. Depending on the individual vaccination plan, these can include :
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine
- Pneumococcal booster
- DPT booster
- IPV booster
- Hib booster
- Other vaccines depending on the child's circumstances
Vaccination timing can vary between different vaccines, so parents should rely on their child's vaccination card and their paediatrician's recommendations.
Vaccination during preschool and school years
Vaccination does not stop during infancy. Booster doses may be needed during preschool and school years. Around 4 to 6 years of age, children may need booster vaccination according to their individual vaccination plan. Further vaccinations, including those recommended for adolescents, may become relevant during later childhood. The updated recommendations of IAP also include HPV vaccination for eligible adolescents. Other vaccines may also be advised according to age, exposure risk, medical conditions and local epidemiology.
What if your child missed a vaccine?
Missing a vaccination appointment does not necessarily mean that the entire vaccination process must be restarted. Parents can bring their child's vaccination record to a paediatrician and have the doctor advise what catch-up schedule is appropriate.
This is especially important if :
- A vaccination card has incomplete entries
- Delayed doses
- Child changed cities or healthcare providers
- Child received vaccines at different hospitals or clinics
- Patients are unsure whether a particular vaccine was administered
Avoid simply giving an extra dose of a vaccine without professional advice if the vaccination history is unclear.
Government Vaccination vs. Private Vaccination
Parents who are searching for child vaccination may encounter government and private vaccination options. The UIP represents a defined set of vaccines that are given to children through the government immunisation programme. Private paediatric schedules may also include additional recommendations by professional paediatric bodies.
Thus, two children of the same age may not necessarily have identical vaccination cards. A paediatrician can explain which vaccines are part of the child's government schedule and which additional vaccines may be recommended.
What should Parents carry for a vaccination appointment?
Parents should carry the following when visiting a vaccination centre or paediatrician :
- The child's vaccination card
- Previous medical records, if available
- Details of any previous vaccine reactions
- Information regarding allergies or chronic health conditions
- A list of medicines the child is currently taking
Keeping a digital photograph of the vaccination card can also be useful as a backup.
Final Thought
Following an appropriate vaccination schedule is an important part of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. For families seeking child vaccination in Siliguri, keeping an updated vaccination card and consulting a qualified paediatrician can help ensure that important doses and boosters are not missed. Every child's vaccination needs can be unique. Therefore, parents should use general schedules as a guide and rely on a paediatrician for personalised recommendations, particularly when a child has missed doses, has a medical condition, or needs additional vaccines. For a more appropriate medical framework, you can contact Dr Prince Parakh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for children?
The vaccination schedule begins at birth and continues through infancy, early childhood, and adolescence. Vaccines and doses are given at specific ages to protect against various preventable diseases.
What vaccines are given to babies at birth?
Common birth doses include BCG, hepatitis B, and oral polio vaccine. The exact recommendations should be confirmed with the child's healthcare provider.
What vaccines are usually given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks?
These visits commonly include vaccines protecting against tetanus, polio, Hib, pneumococcal disease, and rotavirus, depending on the vaccination schedule and vaccine formulation being followed.
What should you do if your child misses a vaccine?
Do not panic or restart the entire vaccination schedule on your own. Take the child's vaccination card to a paediatrician, who can determine which doses are pending and prepare an appropriate catch-up schedule.
Are mild fever and pain normal after vaccination?
Mild fever, temporary irritability, tiredness, or soreness around the injection site can occur after some vaccinations. Parentsshould contact a healthcare professional if their child develops a severe or concerning reaction.
Should vaccination be postponed if my child is sick?
It depends on the child's illness and overall condition.Parentsshould inform the healthcare professional rather than postponing doses without medical advice.
