Vaccination for babies and children
On-time vaccines are one of the simplest ways to protect your child. Dr. Bilal keeps track of every dose with you.
How vaccination visits work
Bring your child's vaccination card every time. Dr. Bilal checks which doses are due, examines your child to make sure it is a good day for vaccines, and explains what each vaccine protects against. After the shot you will get simple advice for the next 48 hours and the date of the next visit.
Pakistan's routine schedule at a glance
This is a general outline of the national EPI schedule for young children. Schedules are updated from time to time, so Dr. Bilal will always confirm the exact doses against your child's card.
| Age | Usual vaccines |
|---|---|
| At birth | BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B |
| 6 weeks | OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Pneumococcal (PCV)-1, Rotavirus-1 |
| 10 weeks | OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, PCV-2, Rotavirus-2 |
| 14 weeks | OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, PCV-3, IPV |
| 9 months | Measles and Rubella (MR)-1, Typhoid conjugate (TCV), IPV-2 |
| 15 months | Measles and Rubella (MR)-2 |
Catch up vaccination
Travel, illness or just a busy life can mean a dose gets missed. That is okay. Dr. Bilal will build a catch up plan based on your child's age and the doses already given, so your child is protected as soon as possible.
Optional vaccines
Some useful vaccines are not part of the free government schedule. Depending on age and health, Dr. Bilal may suggest the yearly flu vaccine, hepatitis A, chickenpox (varicella) or meningococcal vaccines, and boosters before school or travel.
Before you come
- Bring the vaccination card
- Tell the doctor about any past reaction to a vaccine
- Mention if your child has a weak immune system or takes steroids
- Dress your child in clothes that make the arm or thigh easy to reach
Questions parents ask
What if my child missed some vaccines?
It is almost never too late. Dr. Bilal will look at the vaccination card and make a catch up plan so your child gets the missing doses safely, without starting again from zero.
Can my child be vaccinated with a cold or mild fever?
A runny nose or mild illness is usually not a reason to delay. If your child has a high fever or is clearly unwell, the vaccine may be moved to another day. Dr. Bilal will decide after examining your child.
What side effects are normal after a vaccine?
Mild fever, fussiness and a sore or red spot where the injection was given are common for a day or two. Call the clinic if the fever is high, lasts more than two days, or your child seems very unwell.
Are there vaccines outside the EPI schedule?
Yes. Optional vaccines such as influenza, hepatitis A, chickenpox and meningococcal vaccines are available. Dr. Bilal will explain which ones make sense for your child's age and situation.