Optional & Mandatory Vaccines for Babies and Children in India

Everybody knows how important it is for children to be vaccinated. Some vaccinations are mandatory in India, whereas others are considered to be optional. But that doesn’t mean you can dismiss them as even they have become necessary today. We know that it can be hard to remember the vaccine names and their due dates. To make parenting a little bit easier, we made the Vaccination Tracker. This tool provides a customised immunisation schedule at your fingertips. All you have to do is tell us when your baby was born, and we’ll do the rest! Read on to learn more about optional and mandatory vaccinations in India for babies and how they can protect your child’s health.

List of Optional and Compulsory Vaccines

Here are the mandatory vaccinations for babies in India and optional vaccines for infants in India (1):

1. At Birth

Your baby will need the following (2):

a) BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin)

This vaccination will cause a bit of swelling at the site it was administered.

What It Prevents

This vaccination prevents Tuberculosis.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as it is a deadly disease that is responsible for two million deaths every year.

b) OPV 0 (Oral Polio Vaccine)

OPV is administered in three routine doses during the first year of a child’s life. It is given via oral drops.

What It Prevents

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

OPV is a mandatory vaccination as polio is a disease that damages the nervous system and leads to muscle weakness and even paralysis.

c) Hepatitis B (HB 1)

It is vital that this vaccine is given to your baby within twelve hours of birth in order to prevent viral transfer between you and your baby.

What It Prevents

Hepatitis B virus.

Is It Mandatory/Optional And Why

Mandatory as the Hepatitis B virus can cause liver infections and problems in your baby.

2. At 6 Weeks (1.5 Months)

Your baby will need the following (3):

a) DTP 1

There may be swelling and pain at the site and slight fever.

What It Prevents

This vaccine prevents Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough).

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as they are contagious and fatal diseases.

b) HiB 1 (Influenza Type B)

These vaccines are found in liquid and lyophilized formulas.

What It Prevents

Brain and Spine damage.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional but recommended to prevent brain and spine damage.

c) Rotavirus 1

There are two vaccinations, and the first one is administered at six weeks.

What It Prevents

Rotavirus infection, which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, especially in young infants.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

This vaccine is considered to be an optional one, but it is highly suggested that you give your child this vaccination as the Rotavirus infections are highly contagious.

d) PCV 1 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)

Most pneumococcal infections occur during the first two years of a child’s life, which is why it is a shot that is given to babies and toddlers.

What It Prevents

It prevents bacteria from causing blood and ear infections.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional, but recommended that you give your child this shot as these infections are contagious.

e) Hepatitis B (HB 2)

Your baby will need a second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

What It Prevents

It protects your baby from the Hepatitis B virus.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as this virus can cause liver infections in your child.

3. At 10 Weeks (2.5 Months Old)

Your baby will need to take the following (5):

a) IPV 2 (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)

This will be the second dose.

What It Prevents

Polio

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional, but recommended in order to give them better immunity.

b) DTP 2

The second dose of the DPT Vaccine.

What It Prevents

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough).

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory vaccine as they are contagious.

c) HiB 2

This is the second dose.

What It Prevents

Brain and spine damage.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional but recommended.

d) Rotavirus 2

The second required dose.

What It Prevents

Rotavirus infection.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional, but it is highly suggested as the infections are highly contagious.

e) PCV 2

The second dose of PCV.

What It Prevents

Blood and ear infections.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional, but it is recommended as the infections are dangerous.

4. At 14 Weeks (3.5 Months Old)

At this age, your baby will need to take the following:

a) IPV 3

This will be the third dose of this vaccine.

What It Prevents

Polio

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional vaccination, but recommended for better immunity.

b) DTP 3

 The third dose.

What It Prevents

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, also known as a Whooping Cough.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as the diseases are highly contagious.

c) HiB 3

This is the third dose.

What It Prevents

Brain and spine damage.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional but recommended for better immunity.

d) Rotavirus 3

The third required dose.

What It Prevents

Rotavirus infection.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional, but suggested as the infections are contagious.

e) PCV 3

The third dose of PCV.

What It Prevents

Blood and ear infections.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional, but it is recommended that you give your child this shot as these infections are contagious.

5. At 6 Months Old

Your baby will need the following:

a) Hepatitis B (HB 3)

The last dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

What It Prevents

Protects your baby from the Hepatitis B virus.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

This virus can cause liver infections and problems in your baby.

b) OPV 1 (Oral Polio Vaccine)

Given by oral drops.

What It Prevents

Poliomyelitis (Polio).

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

This dose is considered mandatory as it gives your child a better chance of protection.

6. At 9 Months Old

Your baby will need the following:

a) OPV 2

Given by oral drops.

What It Prevents

Poliomyelitis (Polio).

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as it gives your child a better chance of protection.

b) MMR 1

This vaccine is given in two doses.

What It Prevents

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as these are serious illnesses.

c) TCV 1

This vaccine is given in two doses.

What It Prevents

Typhoid.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

It is mandatory as typhoid can be life-threatening.

7. At 12 Months Old

Your baby will need the following:

a) Hepatitis A

This is usually taken in two doses.

What It Prevents

Hepatitis A, liver disease.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

It is mandatory as it is contagious.

8. At 15 Months Old

Your baby will need the following (4):

a) MMR 2

The second dose of the vaccine.

What It Prevents

Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as they are serious illnesses.

b) Varicella

This will require two doses.

What It Prevents

Chicken Pox.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

The illness is highly contagious, so it is recommended your child gets it.

c) PCV Booster

The final PCV booster.

What It Prevents

Ear infections and blood infections.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Optional but necessary to prevent problematic infections.

9. 18 Months Old (1.6 years)

Your little one will need the following:

a) Hepatitis A 2

The second dose of this vaccine.

What It Prevents

Hep A, liver disease.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why?

Mandatory as it is a contagious disease.

b) DPT B 1

The booster of the DPT Vaccine.

What It Prevents

Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as the diseases are highly contagious.

10. 2 Years Old

Your little one will need the following:

a) TCV Booster

Second dose of vaccine.

What It Prevent

Typhoid.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as the disease can be life-threatening.

11. 4 Years Old

The following vaccine will be needed:

a) MMR 3

The third dose of this vaccine.

What It Prevents

Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as the illnesses are serious.

12. 5 Years Old

Your child will need the following:

a) DPT B 2

Second booster of the DPT Vaccine.

What It Prevents

Diphtheria, Pertussis, also known as a Whooping Cough and Tetanus.

Is It Mandatory/Optional and Why

Mandatory as diseases are contagious.

FAQs

1. Can vaccines be delayed or skipped?

It’s best to follow the recommended schedule, but if a vaccine is missed, your doctor can guide you on catching up with a “catch-up schedule.” Skipping vaccines can leave your child vulnerable to infections, so staying up-to-date with their immunisation is essential (7).

2. Are there any side effects of vaccines?

Most vaccines cause mild side effects, such as fever, redness at the injection site, or slight swelling. These reactions are typically short-lived and a sign that the body is building immunity. Serious side effects are rare, but it’s essential to discuss any concerns with your paediatrician before vaccination (6).

Young mothers should always consult with their doctors to find out all the information that they need and will also be able to ask any questions that may trouble them about it. The pain and suffering a child goes through during the vaccination process will make any mother’s heart ache, but remember that your child’s immunity is of vital importance, especially when there are so many viruses and infections flying around.

References/Resources:

1. Guidelines for vaccinations of a normal child in India; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928529/

2. Know your child’s vaccination schedule; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/india/stories/know-your-childs-vaccination-schedule

3. Your baby’s vaccinations; March of Dimes; https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/your-babys-vaccinations

4. Bracho-Sánchez. E; Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Your-Babys-First-Vaccines.aspx

5. Vaccine Schedule; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immunization-chart.html

6. Your Child’s First Vaccines (Interim); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/multi.html

7. Vaccines for children: Your questions answered; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/parents-frequently-asked-questions-vaccines#

Also Read:

Meningococcal Vaccination
Vaccinations for Newborn Baby
Painless Vaccination for Babies
Child Immunization & Vaccination Schedule
Childhood Vaccinations for Various Diseases 

Our Editorial Policy

Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.