Medically reviewed by Dr. Shobana Pandy, MD (Physician), Fellowship in Diabetes · Reg. No. 100572 · KG Hospital · Last updated: October 2026
Vaccines are needed at every age, not just in childhood. Babies need rotavirus, hepatitis B, MMR and chickenpox vaccines. Teens need Tdap and HPV. Adults need a flu shot every year and a Tdap/Td booster every 10 years. People over 50 should consider shingles and pneumococcal vaccines. Travellers may need typhoid, Japanese encephalitis or yellow fever vaccines. Always take a vaccine after consulting a doctor.
In this guide
- Vaccination schedule at a glance
- Why vaccination matters at every age
- Vaccines for babies and children
- Vaccines for teenagers
- Vaccines for adults and seniors
- Vaccines during pregnancy
- Travel and occupational vaccines
- After an animal bite: rabies vaccine
- Get vaccinated at KG Hospital
- Frequently asked questions
Vaccination Schedule at a Glance
| Vaccine | Prevents | Who needs it | Doses / schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tdap / Td (Boostrix) | Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough | Ages 7+, teens at 11–12, every pregnancy, adults | 1 dose; booster every 10 years |
| Pneumococcal (PCV13, PPSV23) | Pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections | Age 60+, diabetics, low immunity | As advised by your doctor |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrhoea in babies | Infants | 2–3 oral doses; first before 15 weeks, last by 8 months |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Chickenpox | Children, adults with no chickenpox history | 2 doses |
| Shingles (Shingrix) | Shingles and nerve pain | Age 50+, diabetics, autoimmune conditions | 2 doses, 2–6 months apart |
| Influenza (flu) | Flu, flu-related pneumonia | Everyone 6 months and older | 1 dose every year (Sept–Nov) |
| Hepatitis B | Liver infection, liver failure | Infants, unvaccinated children and adults, health workers | 3 doses: 0, 1, 6 months |
| MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella | Children; non-immune adults | 2 doses |
| HPV (Gardasil 4 / 9) | Cervical cancer, genital warts | Ages 9–26 | 2 doses under 15; 3 doses 15–26 |
| Japanese encephalitis | JE brain infection | Children 2 months+, at-risk travellers | 2 doses, 28 days apart |
| Rabies (Rabivax-S) | Rabies after animal bite | Anyone bitten or scratched | Days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 |
| Typhoid (Typbar) | Typhoid fever | Age 2+, travellers, food and sanitation workers | 1 dose; repeat every 2 years if at risk |
| Yellow fever | Yellow fever | Age 9 months+ travelling to Africa / South America | 1 dose, lifelong protection |
Why Vaccination Matters at Every Age
Vaccines train your immune system to recognise a germ before you meet it. Protection from some childhood vaccines fades, new risks appear with age, diabetes, pregnancy or travel, and some infections like flu change every year. That is why adults need vaccines too.
Vaccines for Babies and Children
Rotavirus vaccine
Rotavirus causes severe, watery diarrhoea in babies and young children. The vaccine is given as drops in the mouth, in 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand. The first dose must be given before 15 weeks of age and the last by 8 months.
MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
Children need 2 doses: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Older children, teens and adults who are not immune also need 1 or 2 doses.
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
Children under 13 need 2 doses: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. People 13 and older need 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. It is also advised for travellers and adults who have never had chickenpox.
Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B is a contagious viral infection that can cause liver disease, liver failure and death. It is recommended for all infants, all unvaccinated children and teens under 19, and adults aged 19–59. Adults 60+ with risk factors (dialysis, anaemia, frequent hospital stays and their family members) should also take it. Schedule: 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. A Hepatitis A vaccine is also available.
For the full childhood schedule followed in India, see the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) immunisation recommendations.
Vaccines for Teenagers
Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Children 7 and older, teens and adults should get Tdap. Teens need a single dose, ideally at age 11 or 12.
HPV vaccine (Gardasil 4 and Gardasil 9)
HPV vaccine protects against the virus types that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. Gardasil 4 covers 4 HPV types; Gardasil 9 covers 9.
- Best age: 11–12 years; can start from age 9
- Recommended for everyone up to 26 years if not vaccinated earlier; not routinely advised after 26
- Below 15 years: 2 doses, the second 6–12 months after the first
- 15–26 years and people with low immunity: 3 doses at 0, 1–2 and 6 months
- Most effective before first sexual exposure; women vaccinated later, after marriage or childbirth, or with a family history of cervical cancer still benefit, with lower efficacy
Vaccines for Adults and Seniors
Flu (influenza) vaccine
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year, because flu viruses change each season. In India, take it between September and November, before the peak season.
Td / Tdap booster
Adults need a booster of Tdap or Td every 10 years.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13 and PPSV23)
Pneumococcal bacteria cause pneumonia, meningitis and severe ear infections. The vaccine is advised for adults over 60, diabetics and people with weak immunity. PCV13 covers 13 bacterial types; PPSV23 covers 23. Immunity develops in 2–3 weeks. Your doctor will advise which one you need and when.
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix)
Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, which stays dormant in the body and can reactivate later. It causes burning pain, blisters, fever and chills, and the pain can last for months. Risk rises after 50 and is higher with diabetes and autoimmune conditions. Shingrix is given in 2 doses, 2–6 months apart.
Not sure which vaccines you need?
Our doctors review your age, health conditions and past vaccines and recommend only what you need. Call or WhatsApp to book.
Vaccines During Pregnancy
Tdap in pregnancy
One dose of Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks and at least 2 weeks before delivery. It passes protection against whooping cough to the newborn.
Travel and Occupational Vaccines
Typhoid vaccine
For people 2 years and older. Take one dose at least 2 weeks before travel, and repeat every 2 years if you remain at risk. It is advised for sanitation, hotel and food-industry workers.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine
JE is a mosquito-borne brain infection. The vaccine is used in children from 2 months and in adults, and for travellers at higher risk. It is a 2-dose series 28 days apart (adults 18–65 can take the second dose 7–28 days after the first). The last dose should be at least 1 week before travel. A booster is advised after a year or more if the risk continues.
Yellow fever vaccine
Yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes. The vaccine is recommended for people 9 months and older travelling to or living in risk areas in Africa and South America. One dose gives lifelong protection.
After an Animal Bite: Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, but it is 100% preventable with timely vaccination.
- Not vaccinated before: 5 doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28
- Vaccinated before and bitten again: 2 doses on days 0 and 3
Get Vaccinated at KG Hospital
Our doctors review your age, health conditions, pregnancy and travel plans, and recommend only the vaccines you need. Book a vaccination appointment or call 98436 02121.
Note
Any vaccine should be taken only after consulting a doctor. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Sources: CDC immunization schedules, WHO vaccines and immunization, Indian Academy of Pediatrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adults need a flu vaccine every year and a Td/Tdap booster every 10 years. Depending on age and health, they may also need hepatitis B, HPV (up to 26), shingles (50+) and pneumococcal (60+ or diabetic) vaccines.
Once every year. Flu viruses change each season, so last year's shot does not fully protect you. In India, the best time is September to November.
Two doses if you start before age 15, given 6–12 months apart. Three doses (0, 1–2 and 6 months) if you start between 15 and 26, or have low immunity.
Gardasil 4 protects against 4 HPV types and Gardasil 9 against 9, giving wider protection against cervical cancer. Gardasil 4 costs about ₹4,000 and Gardasil 9 about ₹11,000 per dose.
Adults aged 50 and above, especially people with diabetes or autoimmune conditions. Shingrix is given as 2 doses, 2–6 months apart.
Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and go to a hospital the same day. If you were never vaccinated, you need rabies vaccine on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28; if you were vaccinated before, 2 doses on days 0 and 3.
Yes. One dose of Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks. It protects the newborn from whooping cough in the first months of life.
At least 2 weeks before you travel. Repeat it every 2 years if you remain at risk.
Yes. Adults and children over 13 who have never had chickenpox need 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.
Adults over 60, people with diabetes and people with weak immunity. It protects against pneumonia, meningitis and severe ear infections; your doctor will advise PCV13, PPSV23 or both.
Approximate MRPs range from ₹150 (typhoid) to about ₹11,000 (Shingrix or Gardasil 9 per dose). See the table above, and contact the hospital for current prices.
Yes. A doctor checks your age, health conditions, allergies, pregnancy and past vaccines before advising which vaccine to take.