Tamil Nadu’s immunization programme follows the National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) set by the Government of India, administered locally through the Directorate of Public Health & Preventive Medicine. This chart outlines recommended vaccinations, ages, dosage routes, and sites for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. It aims to reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases while ensuring access to essential healthcare. In Tamil Nadu alone, over 9 lakh infants and about 10 lakh pregnant women are covered annually under this scheme. Lets see the Vaccination Schedule for Babies in Tamil Nadu.
1. Origins and Implementation
Tamil Nadu introduced its immunization efforts in 1978, targeting diseases like tuberculosis, diphtheria, and tetanus. The Universal Immunization Program (UIP) followed in 1985, expanding coverage and adding newer vaccines like Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Rotavirus, and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) over time. The state now conducts routine clinics every Wednesday at government Primary Health Centers and Anganwadi Centres, extending outreach in rural areas for improved coverage.
2. Vaccination Schedule: Key Ages & Doses
Below is Tamil Nadu’s baby vaccination chart based on state-specific data aligned with the national schedule:
At Birth
- BCG (intradermal) – left upper arm
- OPV‑0 (zero dose) – oral, two drops
- Hepatitis B (birth dose) – intramuscular mid-thigh
6 Weeks (approximately)
- Pentavalent 1, OPV‑1, IPV‑1 (fractional), Rotavirus 1 – administered via appropriate routes per guidelines
10 Weeks
- Pentavalent 2, OPV‑2, Rotavirus 2 – intramuscular or oral as applicable
14 Weeks
- Pentavalent 3, OPV‑3, IPV‑2, Rotavirus 3 – completed primary series of early infancy
9 Months (After ~270 Days)
- Measles‑Rubella (MR first dose) – subcutaneous
- Japanese Encephalitis (JE 1) – for children in endemic districts, subcutaneous left arm
16–24 Months
- First booster DPT, OPV booster, MR second dose, JE second dose scheduled booster and second immunizations
5–6 Years
- Second booster DPT – upper arm injection
10 & 16 Years
- Tetanus Toxoid (TT) single dose each as adolescent boosters
Pregnant Women
- TT‑1 (early pregnancy), TT‑2 (4 weeks later), plus TT booster if a second pregnancy occurs within three years.
3. Diseases Covered and Broader Public Health Goals
Under UIP, Tamil Nadu’s program covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including TB, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, Hepatitis B, pneumonia, meningitis, rotaviral gastroenteritis, and Japanese encephalitis (in endemic areas). The state’s immunization coverage stands above 95%, reflecting strong implementation and outreach.
The introduction of Pentavalent vaccine since December 2011 has reduced needle pricks while protecting against five diseases simultaneously. Expansion of PCV and rotavirus vaccine has further strengthened pneumonia and diarrhea prevention.
4. Additional Supportive Services and Nutritional Linkages
Immunization is delivered through a network of government hospitals, sub-centres, and Anganwadi Centres, often in coordination with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Services such as weight monitoring, Vitamin A supplementation, and deworming are integrated with vaccination to improve overall child health outcomes. Routine health days and campaigns, including Mission Indradhanush, are held to ensure that partially or non-immunized children are reached.
5. How to Use This Chart Effectively
Parents should maintain the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card to track vaccination history. Vaccines are provided free of charge at all government clinics. Routine immunization is available daily at designated centers, with outreach sessions held weekly in rural areas nhm.tn.gov.in.
If a child misses a scheduled dose, catch-up doses can typically be administered later health workers can advise on timing. Side effects like mild fever or injection site soreness may occur; these are usually short-lived and manageable. Always consult government clinic staff for any adverse reactions or concerns.
6. Why Timely Vaccination Matters
Completing the full vaccination schedule within the recommended timeframe helps prevent childhood illness, hospitalizations, and long-term complications. Tamil Nadu achieved early polio eradication (2014) and eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus by 2015, thanks largely to its robust immunization services nhm.gov.in.
Moreover, routine vaccination has reduced infant mortality, especially from pneumonia and diarrheal diseases. The state’s efforts are consistently recognized among India’s top performers in child healthcare indicators.
7. Staying Updated & Official Information Source
Tamil Nadu’s Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine publishes the official immunization schedule and updates via its website under the Immunization Program section. For the most current chart and guidelines, you may refer directly to the department’s page here: [Tamil Nadu Immunization Program Official Schedule].
Important note to consider:
Vaccination Schedule for Babies in Tamil Nadu offers a clear, life-saving roadmap for parents, caregivers, and health workers. Administered under the Universal Immunization Program, the schedule aims to protect infants and children from serious diseases through timely doses given at specific milestones. Free vaccines, backed by strong government commitment and successful outreach, make Tamil Nadu’s immunization effort one of the most effective in India. By following the chart accurately and seeking vaccines at public health centers, families can ensure healthier futures for their children.
TN govt. vaccination schedule Vs India’s National Immunization Schedule (NIS) Vs (WHO) and UNICEF
Tamil Nadu government’s vaccination schedule is closely aligned with the Government of India’s National Immunization Schedule (NIS), which in turn follows global recommendations set by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Tamil Nadu implements the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) just as other Indian states do, ensuring uniformity across the nation. Vaccines such as BCG, OPV, Pentavalent, Rotavirus, and Measles-Rubella are administered according to the central schedule, which is based on WHO’s essential immunization guidelines for children.
Furthermore, Tamil Nadu’s health department has been proactive in adopting new vaccines introduced by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, such as the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and injectable polio vaccine (IPV), both of which are also endorsed by the United Nations. The state’s public health infrastructure ensures timely roll-out of these vaccines, contributing to India’s national goals for disease prevention and child health, while aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
Vaccination Schedule for Babies in Tamil Nadu
In addition, Tamil Nadu has collaborated with international partners, including UNICEF and WHO, especially during mass immunization drives like Mission Indradhanush and Pulse Polio campaigns. These initiatives are designed to close immunization gaps and reach under-served populations, following global best practices. As a result, Vaccination Schedule for Babies in Tamil Nadu State’s immunization coverage rates consistently rank among the highest in India, reflecting both national and international compliance in policy and execution.