Quick answer: The complete core schedule is free at government centres under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). In a private hospital, expect roughly ₹2,500–₹5,000 per visit (standard) or ₹6,000–₹10,000 per visit (painless / 6-in-1 based), plus a consultation or administration fee. First-year total: ₹0 government, or roughly ₹20,000–₹35,000 private with the painless and optional vaccines added. (These totals are typical real-world bills from published clinic price lists — they will not exactly match the sum of the vaccine-only prices in the table below, because clinics add consultation/administration fees and often bundle visits into packages.)
Price ranges compiled from published pharmacy MRPs and clinic price lists (2025–26). Last reviewed: July 2026. Prices vary widely by city, hospital and brand, and private hospitals usually add a consultation or administration fee on top of the vaccine cost — your clinic’s price may differ. Always ask for an itemised price before the visit.
The free option first: what the government gives you
Before any price table, the most important fact on this page:
The complete core childhood schedule is available FREE at government centres under the Universal Immunisation Programme. UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent (DTwP + HepB + Hib), IPV, Rotavirus, PCV (pneumococcal), Measles-Rubella, DPT and Td boosters, and JE in endemic districts. Rotavirus, PCV and MR are now rolled out nationally — they are not “private-only” vaccines any more, and a lot of Indian parenting content is out of date on exactly this point.
Paying more does not buy better protection for the core schedule. UIP vaccines are WHO-prequalified, and India is a primary global supplier of them. A ₹0 Pentavalent protects against the same core diseases as a ₹3,735 hexavalent shot.
What private money actually buys:
- Fewer pricks — one 6-in-1 shot instead of several separate injections.
- Less fever and fussiness — the acellular (DTaP, “painless”) version tends to cause fewer post-vaccine reactions than whole-cell (DTwP). This is a comfort difference, not a protection upgrade.
- Convenience — appointment times, no queue, sometimes home visits.
- Some genuinely optional extras not funded under UIP — Typhoid conjugate, Hepatitis A, Varicella (chickenpox), Influenza, and MMR (as an upgrade over MR).
No cost should ever be a reason to skip or delay a vaccine. If private care is unaffordable, the government schedule is the medically correct choice — not a compromise. Talk to your pediatrician before delaying any dose.
Vaccination cost by age — full table
The table below follows the IAP (ACVIP 2025) and UIP schedules. Two private columns are shown because the “painful vs painless” choice is where most of the price difference comes from. All private figures are ranges, not fixed prices.
| Visit | Vaccines due (IAP) | Govt (UIP) | Private — standard (DTwP-based) | Private — painless (DTaP / 6-in-1 based) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, Hep B-1, OPV-0 | ₹0 | ₹200–₹700 | ₹200–₹700 |
| 6 weeks (the “1.5 month” visit) | DTwP/DTaP-1, IPV-1, HepB-2, Hib-1, PCV-1, Rota-1 | ₹0 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 | ₹6,000–₹10,000 |
| 10 weeks | DTwP/DTaP-2, IPV-2, Hib-2, PCV-2 (IAP only), Rota-2 | ₹0 — but PCV is not given at 10 weeks under UIP (it is due at 6 and 14 weeks) | ₹2,500–₹5,000 | ₹6,000–₹10,000 |
| 14 weeks | DTwP/DTaP-3, IPV-3, Hib-3, PCV-3, Rota-3 | ₹0 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 | ₹6,000–₹10,000 |
| 6 months | OPV, Hep B-3, Influenza-1 | ₹0 (flu not in UIP) | ₹900–₹2,000 | ₹900–₹2,000 |
| 7 months | Influenza-2 | n/a | ₹800–₹1,500 | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| 9 months | MR-1 (UIP) / MMR-1 (IAP), OPV-2 | ₹0 | ₹400–₹1,000 | ₹400–₹1,000 |
| 9–12 months | Typhoid conjugate (TCV) | Not in UIP | ₹1,500–₹2,350 | ₹1,500–₹2,350 |
| 12 months | Hepatitis A-1 | Not in UIP | ₹1,400–₹1,800 | ₹1,400–₹1,800 |
| 15 months | MMR-2, Varicella-1, PCV booster | Partial (PCV booster free) | ₹2,500–₹4,500 | ₹2,500–₹4,500 |
| 16–18 months | DTwP/DTaP booster-1, IPV booster, Hib booster. UIP also gives MR-2 here (if you are following the IAP schedule, MMR-2 was already given at 15 months — it is the same second dose, not an extra one) | DPT booster + fIPV + MR-2 free; Hib booster is NOT given under UIP | ₹800–₹2,000 | ₹2,500–₹4,500 |
| 18 months | Hepatitis A-2 | Not in UIP | ₹1,400–₹1,800 | ₹1,400–₹1,800 |
A note on PCV: the government (UIP) schedule gives PCV at 6 weeks, 14 weeks and a 9–12 month booster. The IAP private schedule commonly uses 6 / 10 / 14 weeks plus a booster. This is a genuine difference between the two schedules, not an error — follow the schedule your pediatrician sets.
Cost at birth
The birth-dose vaccines (BCG, first Hepatitis B, OPV-0) are free under UIP. In a private hospital they typically fall in the ₹200–₹700 range for the visit, plus any consultation or administration fee.
Cost at 6 weeks (1.5 months)
⚠️ Rotavirus is the one vaccine you cannot postpone
Rotavirus has a hard deadline: the first dose must be given by 15 weeks of age, and the course must be completed by 8 months. Unlike almost every other vaccine, it cannot be caught up later — miss the window and your baby cannot have it at all. Do not defer this one on cost: Rotavac is free under UIP.
This is the first “big” visit — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hepatitis B, Hib, PCV and Rotavirus are all due together. Free under UIP. Privately it runs about ₹2,500–₹5,000 with the standard (DTwP-based) combination, or ₹6,000–₹10,000 if you choose the painless (DTaP / 6-in-1) route with PCV and Rotavirus added.
Cost at 10 weeks & 14 weeks
These repeat the 6-week primary series (second and third doses). Free under UIP; privately around ₹2,500–₹5,000 (standard) or ₹6,000–₹10,000 (painless) per visit, similar to the 6-week visit.
Cost at 6 months
At 6 months the vaccines due are lighter — OPV, third Hepatitis B, and the first influenza dose. Free under UIP (influenza is not part of UIP). Privately this visit is usually ₹900–₹2,000, largely the cost of the flu vaccine. Influenza is given as two doses in the first year, so budget for a follow-up dose about a month later (₹800–₹1,500).
Cost at 9, 12, 15 and 18 months
The second half of the first year and into the second brings MR/MMR, Typhoid conjugate, Hepatitis A, Varicella and the PCV/DTP boosters. Individual visits range from about ₹400–₹1,000 (MR/MMR) up to ₹2,500–₹4,500 (the 15-month visit with MMR-2, Varicella and PCV booster). See the table above for each visit.
Painless vs painful vaccine: the real price difference
This is the single biggest driver of the price gap, so it’s worth being clear about what you are paying for.
- DTwP (“painful”, whole-cell): ₹200–₹500 per dose privately, and free inside the government Pentavalent shot.
- DTaP (“painless”, acellular): ₹800–₹1,500 per dose, and not funded under UIP.
Here is the honest part parents rarely hear: the whole-cell “painful” vaccine gives protection against whooping cough (pertussis) that is at least as durable as — and arguably more durable than — the acellular “painless” version, and IAP continues to recommend whole-cell (DTwP) for the primary doses. The “painless” vaccine is a comfort product (fewer fevers and less fussiness afterwards), not a safety upgrade. Choosing the free vaccine does not mean choosing an inferior vaccine. Discuss the choice with your pediatrician rather than deciding on price or the word “painless” alone.
Price of each vaccine (brand-wise)
These are vaccine MRP ranges only — the private clinic’s consultation or administration fee is charged on top. Prices are from listed consumer-pharmacy pages and are re-verified quarterly.
| Vaccine | Common India brands | Private price/dose (MRP) | Free under UIP? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCG | Serum Institute | ₹100–₹300 | Yes |
| Hepatitis B | Engerix-B, Genevac-B, Revac-B | ₹50–₹300 | Yes |
| OPV | — | Free–₹250 | Yes |
| IPV (injectable polio) | Imovax, Poliovac | ₹300–₹500 | Yes (fIPV) |
| DTwP (“painful”, whole-cell) | Tripvac, Comvac-3 | ₹200–₹500 | Yes (inside Pentavalent) |
| DTaP (“painless”, acellular) | Tripacel, Adacel (booster) | ₹800–₹1,500 | No |
| Pentavalent (DTwP + HepB + Hib) | Pentavac SD, Easyfive-TT | ₹400–₹900 | Yes — free |
| Pentavalent painless (DTaP + IPV + Hib) | Pentaxim (Sanofi) | ₹2,995–₹3,350 | No |
| Hexavalent 6-in-1 (DTaP + IPV + Hib + HepB) | Infanrix Hexa (GSK), Hexaxim (Sanofi) | ₹3,000–₹4,500 | No |
| PCV (pneumococcal) | Prevenar 13 (Pfizer) | ₹2,800–₹3,800 | Yes (govt uses Pneumosil) |
| Synflorix (GSK) | ₹1,450–₹2,000 | ||
| Pneumosil (SII) | ₹1,150–₹1,700 | ||
| Rotavirus | Rotavac (Bharat Biotech) | ₹430–₹800 | Yes — Rotavac free |
| Rotasiil (SII) | ₹850–₹950 | ||
| Rotarix (GSK) | ₹1,200–₹1,500 | ||
| MMR | Tresivac (SII), Priorix (GSK) | ₹380–₹950 | No (MR is free; MMR is the paid upgrade) |
| Typhoid conjugate (TCV) | Typbar-TCV (Bharat Biotech) | ₹1,500–₹2,350 | No |
| Hepatitis A | Havrix 720 Junior (GSK), Biovac-A | ₹1,400–₹1,800 | No |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Varilrix (GSK) | ₹1,950–₹2,418 | No |
| Influenza (annual) | Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac Tetra | ₹800–₹1,500 | No |
DTwP and DTaP price
- DTwP (whole-cell, “painful”): ₹200–₹500 per dose privately; free inside the government Pentavalent shot.
- DTaP (acellular, “painless”): ₹800–₹1,500 per dose; not funded under UIP.
See “Painless vs painful vaccine” above for why the cheaper option is not the weaker option.
Hib vaccine price
Standalone Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) is rarely sold on its own in India — in practice Hib is almost always given inside the Pentavalent shot (free under UIP) or the 6-in-1 (hexavalent) vaccine. If you are pricing “the Hib vaccine,” look at the Pentavalent price (₹400–₹900, or free under UIP) or the 6-in-1 price below, rather than a standalone Hib figure.
6-in-1 (hexavalent) price
The 6-in-1 (hexavalent) vaccine — brands Infanrix Hexa and Hexaxim — costs about ₹3,000–₹4,500 per dose privately and is not funded under UIP. For the full clinical picture on this vaccine, see our 6-in-1 Vaccine in India guide.
PCV, Rotavirus, MMR, Typhoid, Hep A, Varicella prices
See the table above for each of these. Note that PCV, Rotavirus (Rotavac) and MR are now free under UIP, while Typhoid conjugate, Hepatitis A, Varicella and MMR (over MR) are IAP-recommended but not UIP-funded — that is a funding status, not a sign that they are “skippable.” Ask your pediatrician which of these your baby needs.
Why the same vaccine costs different amounts in different cities
Two families can pay very different amounts for the identical vaccine, and it is not because one got a “better” shot:
- City and hospital: a metro corporate hospital typically charges more than a small-town clinic.
- Brand: several brands exist for most vaccines, each with its own MRP.
- Consultation / administration fee: most private hospitals add a fee on top of the vaccine MRP for the doctor’s time and for administering the injection. There is no single published rate for this — it varies widely, and it is the most common reason a bill is higher than the MRP table above. Ask what it is when you book.
- Package deals: some hospitals bundle a year of vaccines into a package. These change often and are hospital-specific — ask for the current package price directly.
Government vs private: what you’re actually paying for
To summarise the money question honestly:
- The core protection is identical. UIP vaccines are WHO-prequalified and protect against the same diseases as their private equivalents.
- Private spending buys fewer pricks, fewer post-vaccine fevers, convenience, and access to the optional (non-UIP) vaccines — not stronger immunity for the core diseases.
- Cost should never delay a vaccine. If private is out of reach, the government schedule is the correct medical choice.
Headline totals: Government (UIP): ₹0 for the full core schedule. Private, first year, standard: about ₹12,000–₹20,000. Private, first year, painless + optional vaccines: about ₹20,000–₹35,000. Private, first two years: about ₹50,000–₹80,000 — plus per-visit consultation/administration fees, which are not included above.
These are ranges from published pharmacy MRPs and clinic price lists (2025–26). Your actual bill will differ by city, hospital, and brand — sometimes by 2×. Private hospitals usually add a consultation or injection-administration fee on top of the vaccine cost. Always ask for the itemised price before the visit.
Missed a dose? You do not have to start again
Almost every vaccine can be caught up. If you have fallen behind — for any reason, including cost — take your vaccination card to a government centre or your pediatrician and ask for a catch-up schedule. A delayed vaccine is far better than a skipped vaccine. The one exception is rotavirus, which has a hard age limit (see above).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baby vaccination free in India?
Yes. The complete core childhood schedule is available free at government centres under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), which now includes Rotavirus, PCV and Measles-Rubella nationally.
How much does 6-week vaccination cost in a private hospital?
Roughly ₹2,500–₹5,000 for the standard (DTwP-based) combination, or ₹6,000–₹10,000 if you choose the painless (DTaP / 6-in-1) route with PCV and Rotavirus, plus the hospital’s consultation or administration fee. It is free under UIP.
What is the price of the painless vaccine?
The painless (DTaP, acellular) component is about ₹800–₹1,500 per dose. As a painless combination shot — Pentaxim (5-in-1) is about ₹2,995–₹3,350 and the 6-in-1 hexavalent is about ₹3,000–₹4,500 per dose.
Is the painless vaccine better than the painful one?
No — it is more comfortable, not more protective. The whole-cell “painful” vaccine gives whooping-cough protection that is at least as durable, and IAP recommends it for the primary doses. “Painless” reduces post-vaccine fever and fussiness; it is a comfort choice, not a safety upgrade.
What is the DTwP vaccine price?
DTwP (whole-cell, “painful”) is about ₹200–₹500 per dose in a private clinic, and free inside the government Pentavalent shot under UIP.
How much does full vaccination cost in the first year?
₹0 under the government schedule. Privately, about ₹12,000–₹20,000 for the standard schedule, or about ₹20,000–₹35,000 with the painless and optional vaccines — plus per-visit consultation/administration fees.
Are government vaccines as good as private ones?
Yes. Government (UIP) vaccines are WHO-prequalified and protect against the same core diseases as private brands. Paying more does not buy better protection for the core schedule.
Sources & last updated
Prices last verified: 12 July 2026. Price ranges are drawn from listed consumer-pharmacy MRP pages (1mg, Apollo Pharmacy, PharmEasy and others) and published hospital/clinic price lists (2025–26). Schedule based on the IAP ACVIP 2025 Recommended Immunization Schedule and the MoHFW/NHM Universal Immunisation Programme. Prices go stale quickly and are re-verified quarterly.
This is general information and not a substitute for advice from your pediatrician.
Related reading
- The 6-in-1 Vaccine in India: A Complete Guide for Parents
- Painful vs Painless Vaccine in India
- India Child Vaccination Schedule (Guide)
Not sure which schedule fits your budget? Talk to a Babynama pediatrician — for advice on the right schedule for your baby, not a vaccine sale.
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