In Pakistan, vaccine-preventable diseases remain a serious concern for families across every province. Understanding the epi vaccine schedule pakistan is one of the most important steps a parent can take to protect their child. The Expanded Programme on Immunization covers 12 diseases through a structured timetable from birth to 15 months. PakVita's EPI vaccine schedule tool helps parents keep track of upcoming doses and understand each vaccine's purpose — particularly useful when navigating the difference between government and private health facilities.
Free EPI vaccines are available at government health facilities across Pakistan.
Following the epi vaccine schedule pakistan protects children against diseases that still circulate widely across the country. According to UNICEF's 2023 estimates, child vaccination schedule pakistan DTP3 coverage reached 86% nationally — yet an estimated 925,000 children remained un- or under-vaccinated that same year. Every missed dose creates a gap in protection not just for that individual child but for the surrounding community. The pakistan immunization schedule 2025 continues to expand, with the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) added to the national programme in 2022.
Pakistan's EPI Vaccine Schedule: Birth to 15 Months
The expanded programme immunization pakistan sets a clear roadmap across six scheduled visits. At birth, newborns receive BCG (protecting against tuberculosis), OPV0 (oral polio), and the first Hepatitis B dose. The six-week visit adds Pentavalent-1, OPV1, PCV-1, and Rota-1. At 10 weeks: Pentavalent-2, OPV2, PCV-2, and Rota-2. At 14 weeks: Pentavalent-3, OPV3, IPV, and PCV-3 — adding injectable polio protection alongside the oral drops. At 9 months, children receive MR1 (measles-rubella) and the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine. The schedule closes at 15 months with MR2 and a DTP booster. Full details are available through the WHO EMRO Pakistan EPI programme, which outlines the rationale for each vaccine in the national programme.
Why Completing the EPI Schedule Matters
The consequences of incomplete vaccination for children in pakistan are well-documented. In 2020, Pakistan recorded around 6,000 suspected measles cases and 53 deaths. By 2021, that figure had surged to over 28,215 suspected cases and 800 measles-related deaths — a spike directly linked to immunization disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in PMC. Despite improvements since then, UNICEF's 2023 data shows that MCV1 (first measles-rubella dose) coverage stood at only 84%, leaving a significant share of children exposed. Vaccination coverage remains uneven across provinces, with rural areas and informal settlements often underserved. Completing the full schedule is the single most effective step parents can take to protect their child.
What to Do If Your Child Misses a Vaccination
If a dose is missed, visit the nearest Expanded Health Facility (EHF) or Basic Health Unit (BHU) as soon as possible — health workers there can assess the gap and arrange a catch-up dose at no charge.
Do not wait for the next scheduled age point; it is generally recommended to resume vaccination as soon as the missed dose is identified, even if the timing falls slightly outside the original schedule.
Bring your child's vaccination card or any available health records to the appointment, as this helps the healthcare provider confirm which doses have already been administered.
If you are unsure which vaccines are outstanding, consult a paediatrician or the EHF nurse — they can guide you through the remaining doses without requiring a restart of the entire schedule from the beginning.
Pakistan's Expanded Health Facilities (EHFs) offer all core EPI vaccines free of charge.
Where to Get Free EPI Vaccines in Pakistan
All core EPI vaccines are available free of charge at government-run EHFs, Basic Health Units (BHUs), and rural health centres across Pakistan — no appointment is usually required for routine immunization visits.
The Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), added to the national programme in 2022, is part of the free EPI package and is administered at the 9-month visit at government facilities without additional cost.
Some private clinics and hospitals offer combination or imported vaccine brands at a cost; while these may be more convenient in urban areas, they are optional — all essential EPI vaccines are fully covered by the government programme.
For a detailed breakdown of each EPI visit and which vaccines are included at government versus private centres, PakVita's child vaccination guide for Pakistani parents provides a Pakistan-specific reference parents can bookmark.
Tracking Your Child's Vaccinations and Growth
Keeping accurate records of your child's vaccination history is as important as attending each appointment.
Request a vaccination card at birth from your delivery hospital or nearest EHF, and store it safely — it serves as the official immunization record for school admissions and travel requirements in Pakistan.
For parents who want to monitor their child's physical milestones alongside their immunization history, PakVita's child growth percentile calculator lets you track weight, height, and developmental benchmarks on one platform.
Stay updated on any local health campaigns or changes to the national EPI schedule by checking with your nearest BHU — seasonal outbreaks sometimes trigger supplementary immunization activities in specific districts.
Keep your child's vaccination card safe — it is an important health record in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines does a baby need at birth in Pakistan?
At birth, babies receive three vaccines under the EPI: BCG for tuberculosis, OPV0 (oral polio), and the first dose of Hepatitis B. These are typically administered before the mother and child leave the delivery facility, or at the nearest EHF within the first few days if birth occurred at home.
Is the EPI vaccine schedule free in Pakistan?
Yes, all vaccines in the epi pakistan vaccines schedule are provided free of charge at government-run EHFs and BHUs nationwide. Some private hospitals may charge for combination vaccine brands or optional extras, but the standard EPI schedule — including the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine — is fully available at no cost through government health centres.
What happens if my child misses a vaccination?
Missing a dose does not mean starting over. It is generally recommended to visit the nearest EHF or BHU as soon as possible to receive the missed vaccine. The healthcare provider will assess the situation and provide a catch-up dose, and may offer guidance on any minor adjustments to the remaining schedule.
What is the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) and when is it given?
The TCV protects against typhoid fever — a serious bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water that remains a significant health concern in Pakistan. It was added to the national EPI programme in 2022 and is given at the 9-month visit, alongside the first MR (measles-rubella) dose.
How do I get my child's vaccination card replaced in Pakistan?
If your child's vaccination card is lost, visit your nearest EHF or BHU with any other available health records. Staff can often trace earlier vaccinations through local registers and issue a replacement card. If the child was vaccinated at a private facility, that clinic's records can also serve as supporting evidence.
Final Thought
Keeping up with your child's vaccination schedule is one of the most impactful health decisions a parent in Pakistan can make. The government's free EPI programme has already helped cut childhood deaths from measles, polio, and hepatitis — but the schedule only works when completed in full. For guidance on child vaccines, growth tracking, and paediatric health milestones, PakVita brings together freely accessible resources for Pakistani families.
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