Baby Vaccination Schedule in Bangladesh by Age
Your baby’s first vaccines start on the day of birth and the core routine doses finish at 15 months. Bangladesh runs this through the national EPI program, and the vaccines are free at every government EPI centre. Here’s the full baby vaccination schedule in Bangladesh, what each dose protects against, and a simple tool that turns your baby’s birth date into exact vaccine dates.
Enter your baby’s date of birth to see every vaccine date
Baby vaccination schedule in Bangladesh at a glance
Vaccines are given by age, not by weight. Here is the routine EPI schedule.
| Age | Vaccines given |
|---|---|
| At birth | BCG (plus OPV zero dose where given) |
| 6 weeks | Pentavalent 1, OPV 1, PCV 1, fIPV 1 |
| 10 weeks | Pentavalent 2, OPV 2, PCV 2 |
| 14 weeks | Pentavalent 3, OPV 3, PCV 3, fIPV 2 |
| 9 months | MR 1 (measles-rubella), with Vitamin A |
| 15 months | MR 2 (measles-rubella) |
A full primary course means BCG, three Pentavalent doses, three oral polio doses, two injectable polio doses, three PCV doses, and two measles-rubella doses. Once your baby completes MR 2 at 15 months, the main EPI schedule is done.
Work out your baby’s exact vaccine dates
Enter your baby’s date of birth below and you’ll see the date each vaccine is due. Use it to plan your EPI centre visits so no dose slips.
What each vaccine protects against
- BCG guards against serious childhood tuberculosis. It’s given as a single dose at birth and leaves a small mark on the upper arm.
- Pentavalent is one shot covering five diseases: diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib (a cause of meningitis and pneumonia). Three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
- OPV and fIPV together protect against polio. OPV is the oral drops, fIPV is the injectable form, and using both gives stronger protection.
- PCV protects against pneumococcal disease, a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis in babies. Three doses in the first few months.
- MR protects against measles and rubella. The first dose at 9 months and the second at 15 months. Both doses matter, because one dose alone doesn’t fully protect.
What to do if your baby misses a dose
A missed dose is common and fixable. Take your baby to the nearest EPI centre as soon as you can, and the health worker will catch up the schedule. You don’t restart from the beginning. The remaining doses are given with the correct gaps between them. The sooner you catch up, the sooner your baby is protected, so don’t wait for the next birthday or a special date.
Practical tips for vaccine day
- Bring your baby’s EPI card every time. The health worker records each dose on it, and you’ll need it later for school admission.
- Mild fever, a sore spot, or fussiness for a day or two after a shot is normal. A paracetamol dose as advised by the health worker usually settles it.
- Feed your baby normally before and after. There’s no need to keep them hungry.
- Government EPI centres give these vaccines free. Private hospitals may offer extra optional vaccines (like rotavirus, flu, or chickenpox) for a fee, which you can discuss with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first vaccine a baby gets in Bangladesh?
BCG is the first vaccine, given at birth to protect against serious tuberculosis. In many facilities an oral polio zero dose is given alongside it. After birth, the next visit is at 6 weeks for Pentavalent, OPV, PCV, and fIPV.
Are EPI vaccines free in Bangladesh?
Yes. All routine EPI vaccines are free at government EPI centres, community clinics, and government hospitals across Bangladesh. You only pay if you choose optional vaccines at a private clinic that are not part of the national schedule.
When is the measles vaccine given?
The measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is given in two doses, the first at 9 months and the second at 15 months. Both doses are needed for full protection. The 9-month visit also includes a Vitamin A dose.
What happens if my baby misses a vaccine?
Go to the nearest EPI centre as soon as possible. The health worker catches up the missed dose without restarting the whole schedule. Delays are common and the program is built to handle them, so a missed date is not a reason to skip the vaccine.
Can vaccines be given when my baby has a mild cold?
Yes, in most cases. A mild cold, low fever, or runny nose is usually fine for vaccination. Postpone only for a serious illness, and the health worker will advise you on the day. When in doubt, still go to the centre and ask.
