What every parent should know before visiting the pediatrician for vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) publishes age-based immunization recommendations and currently provides the Purple Book of Immunization 2025. IAP also maintains parent-focused vaccination guidance.
What Is the IAP Vaccination Schedule?
The IAP vaccination schedule guides parents and pediatricians on vaccines recommended at different stages of childhood and adolescence. Depending on age and previous vaccination history, recommendations may include vaccines against polio, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hib, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis A, typhoid, influenza, HPV and other infections.
The exact vaccines and timing should always be confirmed against the latest IAP recommendations and your child's individual medical history.
Before Your Child's Vaccination Visit
Bring:
• Your child's vaccination card and previous records
• Details of any previous vaccine reactions
• Information about known allergies
• A list of current medicines
• Details of any recent fever, infection or other illness
Tell the pediatrician if your child has a chronic medical condition, allergy, immune problem or has previously experienced a significant reaction after vaccination.
What if a vaccine was missed?
Do not panic and do not restart the entire schedule on your own. A pediatrician can review the vaccination record and recommend an appropriate catch-up plan.
Can My Child Be Vaccinated With a Cold or Fever?
A minor illness does not automatically mean vaccination must be postponed. Your pediatrician will assess your child's current health and decide whether vaccination should proceed.
What Happens After Vaccination?
Mild pain or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, tiredness or irritability can occur after some vaccines. Ask your pediatrician what reactions are expected and when you should seek medical attention.
5 Questions Parents Should Ask
- Which vaccine is due today?
- Is this a primary dose or booster?
- What side effects should we expect?
- When is the next dose due?
- Are any vaccines missing from my child's record?
Remember: Vaccination visits are also an opportunity to discuss your child's growth, nutrition, development, allergies, asthma, sleep and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the IAP vaccination schedule?
It is an age-based immunization recommendation from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics for children and adolescents.
2. What if my child missed a vaccine?
Consult your pediatrician for a catch-up schedule. Do not restart or add doses without professional advice.
3. Can a child with allergies receive vaccines?
Many children with allergies can be vaccinated normally, but previous vaccine reactions and known vaccine-related allergies should always be discussed with the pediatrician.
4. Are vaccination side effects normal?
Mild fever, injection-site pain or irritability can occur after some vaccines. Your pediatrician can explain what is expected and what requires medical attention.
5. Should older children and teenagers receive vaccines?
Yes. Vaccination continues into adolescence. IAP recommendations include adolescent vaccines such as Tdap/Td and HPV, depending on age and individual circumstances.
Need Vaccination Advice for Your Child?
For vaccination review, catch-up vaccination, pediatric consultation and personalized guidance, consult Dr. Balachandra BV at Chirayu Multispeciality Clinic, Kasturi Nagar, Bangalore.
Book a pediatric consultation and keep your child's vaccination schedule up to date.
This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice. Vaccination recommendations may change; follow the latest IAP guidance and your pediatrician's advice.
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