At birth, most countries recommend Hepatitis B vaccine. In India and WHO countries, BCG (tuberculosis) and OPV-0 (oral polio) are also given at birth. The first major round of vaccines typically starts at 6-8 weeks including DTaP/DTwP, Hib, polio, pneumococcal, and rotavirus.

Babies have developing immune systems and are vulnerable to serious diseases. Vaccines work by training the immune system safely. Multiple doses are needed because: 1) Some vaccines require boosters to build lasting immunity, 2) Different vaccines protect against different diseases, 3) The schedule is timed to protect babies when they're most vulnerable.

CDC (USA) and IAP (India) schedules differ based on disease prevalence. India includes BCG at birth for tuberculosis (rare in USA) and OPV (oral polio) in addition to IPV. USA includes more doses of certain vaccines and HPV earlier. Both are designed by experts for their respective populations.

Mild illnesses like colds, low-grade fever, or ear infections are generally NOT reasons to delay vaccines. However, if your baby has a high fever (>38.5°C/101°F) or is severely ill, consult your doctor about delaying. The decision should be made by your pediatrician.

Don't worry - you usually don't need to start over. Most vaccines have 'catch-up' schedules. Contact your pediatrician who can create a catch-up plan. It's important to get back on track rather than skipping vaccines entirely. Our tracker helps you see what's overdue.

Yes, combination vaccines (like 6-in-1 or Pentavalent) are thoroughly tested and safe. They reduce the number of injections while providing the same protection. They do not overwhelm the immune system - babies' immune systems handle thousands of antigens daily.

Common side effects include: soreness/redness at injection site, mild fever, fussiness, and decreased appetite for 1-2 days. These are normal signs the immune system is responding. Serious side effects are rare. Contact your doctor if fever is very high or symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days.

Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a community are vaccinated (typically 80-95%) that diseases cannot spread easily. This protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated (newborns too young, immunocompromised people). When vaccination rates drop, disease outbreaks increase.

The NHS schedule starts at 8 weeks based on UK-specific research showing this timing provides optimal protection for British infants. Different countries have slightly different schedules based on local disease patterns, healthcare systems, and research. All approved schedules are effective.

Required vaccines vary by country and state/region. Common requirements include: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B series. Check with your local school or health department. Our scheduler includes pre-school boosters (4-6 years) which align with most school requirements.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine prevents cancers caused by HPV, including cervical, throat, and other cancers. It's recommended at ages 11-12 (before potential HPV exposure) for both boys and girls. It's most effective when given before becoming sexually active.

Yes, premature babies should be vaccinated according to their actual (chronological) age, not adjusted/gestational age. They are more vulnerable to infections, making vaccines especially important. Some slight modifications may be made by the pediatrician based on the baby's health.

Rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. It's an oral vaccine (drops, not injection) given in 2-3 doses starting at 6-8 weeks. It must be completed by a certain age (check your country's guidelines).

Yes, all your data (birth date, selected country, completed vaccines) is saved in your browser's local storage. It persists even after closing the browser. We never send or store your data on any server - everything stays private on your device. You can also download a report.

This tool provides standard schedules for healthy children and is for reference only. Always consult your pediatrician for: catch-up schedules, children with health conditions, allergies to vaccine components, or any concerns. Your doctor can adjust the schedule based on your child's specific needs.