Bachon Ke Teeke: Child Vaccination Schedule by Age, EPI and UIP (Video)

Transcript

Ever wonder how many shots your little one needs before they turn two?

Ever wonder how many shots your little one needs before they turn two?

Ever wonder how many shots your little one needs before they turn two? Let’s walk through the schedule, what to do if you miss a visit, and the everyday signs that are normal.

At a glance

All the government vaccines are free at the EPI or UIP centre. Just remember to bring the vaccination card every single time. If a dose is missed, go straight to the centre, the schedule picks up where it left off, and a mild cold isn’t a reason to wait.

Vaccination schedule by age

In Pakistan the routine plan has six visits: at birth, six weeks, ten weeks, fourteen weeks, nine months and fifteen months. India follows a similar pattern, with boosters that continue up to sixteen years. The exact vaccines at each visit can differ a bit by province, so always check the card and ask the health worker.

By age band

The first few months are the busiest, you’ll have shots at birth, six, ten and fourteen weeks. Premature babies get them by their actual age. The nine-month visit often slips the mind because of the long gap, but it’s important for measles protection. Between one and three years you’ll need the second measles-rubella dose, and the second DPT booster comes around five to six years in India, while Pakistan keeps up with polio and measles campaigns.

A late dose still counts. Skipping because it feels too late doesn’t erase it.

Keep the card

Your vaccination card, or the digital record in India, is the only proof of what’s been given. Snap a photo of both sides after each visit and store it in a family chat or email, schools, doctors and travel forms often ask for it. If you miss a dose, bring the child and the card to the nearest government centre; the vaccinator will add the missed shots and continue the series without starting over.

After the teeka

Most kids are a bit fussy, a little warm and sleepy for a day or two after a shot. The injection site may look red, sore or have a tiny lump, that’s just the immune system getting to work. After the measles-rubella dose you might see a mild fever or a faint rash a week later, and after the rotavirus drops stools can be a bit loose for a day.

When to see a doctor

If you notice swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing, trouble breathing, hives spreading, a seizure, or a child who can’t be roused after three hours, head straight to emergency care. In the days after rotavirus drops, seek help right away if the baby has intense screaming with legs drawn up, repeated vomiting, or stool that looks green, bloody or like red jelly.

Teeke myths

A low-grade fever after a vaccine is a normal reaction, not a sign of a bad batch, and its absence doesn’t mean the shot failed. The rumor that oral polio drops cause infertility is unfounded, the drops are the same worldwide and extra doses are safe, even after the routine schedule is complete.

What elders did

Many families still tie a thread or put kajal on a baby before the teeka for protection against the evil eye. Those practices can be risky, a tight thread may cut the skin and kajal can contain lead, so it’s best to skip them. The old habit of keeping the baby close, feeding often and letting them rest on vaccine day is spot on.

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Read the full guide

For the full guide, with every detail and answers to common questions, visit thecareonline.com. You'll find more short videos like this one on our YouTube channel. This is general information, not medical advice, so check with your doctor about your own situation.