Quick Answer: The 6-in-1 vaccine (hexavalent vaccine) protects your baby against 6 serious diseases in ONE shot: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, Polio, and Hib meningitis. Given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, it's safe, effective, and reduces the number of injections your baby needs. Both "painful" (DTwP) and "painless" (DTaP) versions are available - both work well!
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Watch: First Year Vaccination Schedule for Baby | Pain VS Painless Vaccine
The 6-in-1 vaccine (also called hexavalent vaccine) combines protection against six dangerous childhood diseases into a single injection. Instead of giving your baby six separate shots, this combination vaccine provides comprehensive protection with fewer needle pricks.
Official name: DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine
Parent Relief: Fewer shots mean less stress for your baby AND you. The 6-in-1 vaccine is one of the most important advances in childhood immunization.
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| Disease | What It Is | Why Vaccination Matters |
|---|---|---|
| **Diphtheria (D)** | Bacterial infection affecting throat and airways | Can cause breathing problems, heart failure |
| **Tetanus (T)** | Nerve disease from bacteria entering wounds ("lockjaw") | Can be fatal, no cure once symptoms start |
| **Pertussis (aP)** | Whooping cough - highly contagious respiratory infection | Very dangerous for infants under 6 months |
| **Hepatitis B (HepB)** | Viral liver infection | Can cause chronic liver disease and cancer |
| **Polio (IPV)** | Viral disease causing paralysis | India is polio-free thanks to vaccination |
| **Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)** | Bacteria causing meningitis and pneumonia | Leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children |
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| Dose | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **1st Dose** | 6 weeks (1.5 months) | Can be given at 6-8 weeks |
| **2nd Dose** | 10 weeks (2.5 months) | Can be given at 10-12 weeks |
| **3rd Dose** | 14 weeks (3.5 months) | Can be given at 14-16 weeks |
| Booster | Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|---|
| **1st Booster** | 15-18 months | DTPa/DTwP + Hib |
| **2nd Booster** | 4-6 years | DTPa/DTwP |
Important: Complete all doses on schedule for maximum protection. Babynama's vaccination tracker can send you reminders!
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This is one of the most common questions Indian parents ask!
| Feature | Painful (DTwP) | Painless (DTaP) |
|---|---|---|
| **What it contains** | Whole pertussis bacteria cells | Purified pertussis components only |
| **Effectiveness** | Excellent | Excellent |
| **Side effects** | Higher chance of fever, swelling | Fewer side effects |
| **Cost** | Lower (Rs 500-800) | Higher (Rs 1500-2500) |
| **Pain at injection** | Same needle prick | Same needle prick |
| **Recommended by IAP** | Yes | Yes |
Both vaccines are equally effective at protecting your child. The main difference is in post-vaccination reactions:
Doctor's Note: "Painful" doesn't mean the injection hurts more - it refers to the side effects afterward. The needle prick feels the same!
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| Side Effect | Duration | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| **Mild fever** (up to 101°F) | 1-2 days | Give paracetamol if uncomfortable |
| **Injection site redness/swelling** | 2-3 days | Cold compress, don't massage |
| **Fussiness/crying** | 24-48 hours | Extra cuddles, frequent feeding |
| **Decreased appetite** | 1-2 days | Offer breast milk/formula more often |
| **Mild drowsiness** | 1 day | Let baby rest |
Contact your pediatrician immediately if:
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| Type | Approximate Cost per Dose |
|---|---|
| **Government hospitals** | Free |
| **Painful (DTwP-based) at private clinic** | Rs 500-1000 |
| **Painless (DTaP-based) at private clinic** | Rs 1500-2500 |
Total for 3 doses: Rs 1500-3000 (painful) or Rs 4500-7500 (painless)
Money-Saving Tip: Government hospitals provide quality vaccines for free under the Universal Immunization Programme. Don't skip vaccination due to cost concerns!
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A: Yes, you can switch between them. If your baby had strong reactions to the painful vaccine, you can switch to painless for subsequent doses.
A: Minor illnesses like mild cold without fever are NOT a reason to delay vaccination. Consult your pediatrician - they'll usually recommend proceeding.
A: Don't restart the series! Continue from where you left off. Contact your pediatrician to adjust the schedule.
A: Yes, it's been used safely in millions of children worldwide. Combination vaccines undergo rigorous testing and are monitored continuously.
A: "Painless" refers to fewer side effects AFTER the vaccine, not the injection itself. The needle prick feels the same for both types.
A: No. The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) or weakened components that cannot cause the disease. It teaches the immune system to fight without causing infection.
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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