Child Vaccination Schedule in Pakistan: A Lifesaving Guide for Parents

"Doctor, meri beti bilkul theek lag rahi hai, vaccine zaroori hai?"

Yes even a healthy child needs protection before illness strikes.

Every year in Karachi, thousands of preventable diseases affect children - measles, hepatitis, pneumonia, polio, typhoid. Many could have been avoided if vaccines were timely.

Let's help you understand the real, no-waste, fact-based vaccination guide for your child in Pakistan.

Why Vaccination Matters in Karachi?

In crowded urban centers like Karachi, children are more exposed to:

Airborne infections (like measles, tuberculosis)
Waterborne illnesses (like hepatitis A & typhoid)
Outbreaks in schools and daycare centers

Pakistan still faces active polio cases, and Karachi is a red zone. That's why on-time vaccines aren't optional - they're essential.

Pakistan's Official Child Vaccination Schedule (EPI Schedule)

The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides FREE vaccines in government hospitals and centers. Here's the schedule every parent should follow:

Age	Vaccines Given
At Birth	BCG (Tuberculosis), OPV-0 (Polio)
6 Weeks	Penta-1 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hep B, Hib), OPV-1, PCV-1 (Pneumonia), Rotavirus-1
10 Weeks	Penta-2, OPV-2, PCV-2, Rotavirus-2
14 Weeks	Penta-3, OPV-3, PCV-3, IPV (Injectable Polio)
9 Months	Measles-1, Yellow Fever (in some areas), Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)
15 Months	Measles-2, PCV Booster

Bonus Tip: You can also get optional vaccines like Hepatitis A, Chickenpox (Varicella), Influenza (Flu), and MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) from private clinics.

Free Vaccine Centers in Karachi

You don't need to go to expensive hospitals. The EPI vaccines are available free at:

JPMC Vaccination Centre
Children's Hospital Korangi
Sindh Government Hospital, Liaquatabad
Every major government maternity center
Mobile EPI vans in selected areas

Ask your local Lady Health Worker or call 1166 (Govt Health Helpline) for free information.

Common Questions Parents Ask

"Are these vaccines safe?"

Yes. All EPI vaccines are WHO-approved and monitored. Mild fever or swelling may occur but is not dangerous.
"What if my child missed a dose?"

Don't worry. Resume the schedule at the earliest. Doctors may adjust the catch-up plan.
"Are vaccines allowed in Islam?"

Yes. Vaccines save lives and are permitted and encouraged by Islamic scholars and the Pakistan Ulema Council.
"Do I need to pay at a government center?"

No. All EPI vaccines are 100% free, including syringes and documentation.
"What about polio drops?"

Every 2–3 months, polio drops are administered in door-to-door campaigns. Please ensure your child receives them even if already vaccinated.

Vaccine Tracker for Busy Parents

Age	Received? (✓/X)	Date
At Birth
6 Weeks
10 Weeks
14 Weeks
9 Months
15 Months

"We delayed our son's measles vaccine because of wedding functions. A few weeks later, he was admitted to Liaquat National with high fever, rashes, and dehydration. We'll never delay again."

- Amna, Gulshan-e-Iqbal

Vaccination = Prevention, Not Reaction

Vaccines reduce child mortality by 50%
No vaccine means higher risk, hospital bills, and suffering
Every missed dose is a risk Karachi can't afford

Checklist for Parents

Task	Status
EPI card made?
Vaccines up to date?
Doctor consulted for any delay?
Private/optional vaccines discussed?

Final Words: A Parent's Duty

Vaccination isn't just about your child - it's about every child in the city.

One missed dose can lead to a whole classroom outbreak.

Be informed. Be on time. Protect your child.

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