Your baby's vaccines in India: where to start
Free vaccines, the doses given at birth, the digital record on U-WIN and how to stay on schedule without stress.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Under India's Universal Immunization Programme, the government vaccinates children free of cost against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. At birth, babies receive the Hepatitis B birth dose, OPV-0 and BCG. Each dose is written on the MCP card and can be recorded on U-WIN. Completing the first cycle by 14 weeks also triggers PMMVY's final payment.
Free vaccines for every child
Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), the Government of India "provides vaccination free of cost against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases" (U-WIN). Vaccines are given at government health facilities and outreach sessions, and every dose is written on your MCP card.
At birth
The U-WIN platform lists three birth doses: Hepatitis B birth dose, OPV-0 and BCG. Before you leave the facility, check that they have been given and written on the MCP card.
The rest of the schedule
The national schedule is set by the Ministry of Health and printed on your MCP card. Schedules are updated from time to time, so rather than copying a table here, we suggest a simple habit: at every vaccination, ask the nurse which vaccine is next and on what date, and put that date in your phone straight away.
U-WIN: your digital record
U-WIN is the Ministry of Health's platform for routine immunisation under UIP, for pregnant women and children. Through it you can register, find a vaccination centre or session and keep a digital record. Ask the nurse to register your baby at the first visit.
The 14-week milestone and PMMVY
If you receive PMMVY, the last payment depends on your child having "completed first cycle of immunization (14 weeks)" and on the birth being registered. Once both are done, update the childbirth and immunisation details on the portal or ask your Anganwadi worker.
Checklist
A vaccine day can bring a little fever or fussiness. If your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38 C or more, or seems very unwell, seek medical help at once.
Questions parents ask
Are baby vaccines free in India?
Yes. Under the Universal Immunization Programme, the Government of India provides vaccination free of cost against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Which vaccines are given at birth in India?
The U-WIN platform lists the Hepatitis B birth dose, OPV-0 and BCG as birth doses.
What is U-WIN?
U-WIN is the Ministry of Health's digital platform for routine immunisation of pregnant women and children, where vaccinations can be registered, booked and recorded.
Why does the 14-week mark matter?
PMMVY's second instalment for a first child, and the single instalment for a second girl child, require the child to have completed the first cycle of immunisation, set at 14 weeks.
Sources
- MoHFW — U-WIN (Universal Immunization Programme platform) checked October 13, 2026
- MWCD — PMMVY, Frequently Asked Questions (14-week immunisation condition) checked October 13, 2026
- MoHFW via PIB — Saving Mothers, Strengthening Futures (MCP card, March 2025) checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Sepsis (warning signs in babies under 3 months) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.