National Immunization Schedule India (MBBS Reference)

National Immunization Schedule -- Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

India's UIP was launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and is one of the largest immunisation programmes in the world. The schedule below covers vaccines provided free of charge under the government programme. This is distinct from the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommended schedule, which includes additional vaccines not part of the UIP (see IAP Immunization Schedule).

Childhood Vaccines

*The JE vaccine is given only in endemic districts. It is not part of the universal schedule in non-endemic areas.

Vitamin A note: After the 2nd dose at 16-24 months, Vitamin A (2,00,000 IU) is given every six months until five years of age.

Td Vaccination for Pregnant Women

Td (Tetanus-diphtheria, reduced antigen) replaced TT (Tetanus Toxoid) in India's UIP.

Key Exam Points on the National Immunization Schedule

These facts are frequently tested in both Community Medicine and Paediatrics theory papers.

• Zero-dose vaccines at birth: BCG, OPV-0, and HB-0 should all be given before hospital discharge, ideally within 24 hours of birth. HB-0 within 24 hours is especially important to prevent perinatal transmission of Hepatitis B.
• Pentavalent vaccine contains five antigens: Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT)
  • Hepatitis B (HB) + Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It covers four vaccine- preventable diseases in one injection.
• Cold chain requirement for OPV: OPV must be stored at -15°C to -25°C at regional and district vaccine stores. This is stricter than most other UIP vaccines, which require 2-8°C. Cold chain failure is a major source of short-note and essay questions in Community Medicine.
• f-IPV vs IPV: India uses fractional-dose IPV (f-IPV), which is given as 0.1 mL intradermally in the right upper arm, instead of the standard 0.5 mL intramuscular dose. This was introduced to extend supply and reduce costs.
• DPT vs Td at boosters: DPT Booster-2 at 5-6 years uses the full-antigen formulation. The doses at 10 and 16 years switch to Td (reduced diphtheria antigen), which causes fewer adverse reactions in older children.
• NIS vs IAP schedule: The government NIS is free and mandatory under the UIP. The IAP schedule is a recommendation that includes additional vaccines (varicella, typhoid, hepatitis A, meningococcal, and others) not provided free by the government. Exam questions may specify which schedule they are asking about.

How This Topic Appears in MBBS University Exams

The National Immunization Schedule and the UIP are tested regularly in both Community Medicine (3rd Year) and Paediatrics (Final Year) papers. Common question formats include:

• "Write a short note on the Universal Immunization Programme of India." (5 marks, Community Medicine)
• "Describe the National Immunization Schedule of India." (10 marks, Community Medicine)
• "What vaccines are given at birth under India's National Immunization Schedule? Give routes of administration." (5 marks)
• "Write a note on cold chain and its importance in the UIP." (5 marks, Community Medicine -- commonly paired with a question on the schedule itself)
• "Enumerate the vaccines given in the first year of life as per the government immunisation schedule." (5 marks, Paediatrics)
• "Differentiate between the National Immunization Schedule and the IAP recommended schedule." (5 marks -- tests whether you know what is and is not in the UIP)

These question types appear across university papers from RGUHS, KNRUHS, TNMGRMU, and other NMC-affiliated universities. Check your university's Community Medicine and Paediatrics PYQs for exact phrasing.

Related Reference Pages

• IAP Immunization Schedule -- the Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommended schedule, including vaccines beyond the government UIP
• Normal Lab Values (PDF) -- reference ranges for MBBS theory and practical exams
• Normal Lab Values Chart -- quick-reference format for revision
• Blood Test Normal Values India -- India-specific reference ranges

Related Subject Resources

Community Medicine (3rd Year) -- the UIP and national immunisation schedule are part of the epidemiology and health programmes section of the Community Medicine syllabus:

• Community Medicine Subject Hub
• Community Medicine Notes PDF
• RGUHS Community Medicine Question Papers
• KNRUHS Community Medicine Question Papers
• TNMGRMU Community Medicine Question Papers

Paediatrics (Final Year) -- childhood immunisation, vaccine-preventable diseases, and cold chain are core Paediatrics topics:

• Paediatrics Subject Hub
• Neonatal Jaundice Topic Page -- Hepatitis B vaccination at birth links directly to prevention of neonatal hepatitis B infection
• Meningitis Topic Page -- PCV and Hib (in Pentavalent) prevent bacterial meningitis in infants
• Tuberculosis Topic Page -- BCG vaccination and its role in TB prevention
• RGUHS Paediatrics Question Papers
• KNRUHS Paediatrics Question Papers

Frequently Asked Questions