Choosing between government and private vaccinations is one of the first major decisions new parents in Uttar Pradesh face. While both pathways provide excellent protection, there are nuances in coverage and comfort.
Government Schedule (National Immunization Schedule)
In UP, the government provides free vaccines at all primary health centers.
- Pro: Completely free, reliable, and covers all essentials like Polio, TB, and DPT.
- Con: Often uses "Whole-cell" DPT which usually causes fever and swelling for 24-48 hours.
Private Schedule (IAP)
Pediatricians in private practice follow the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) guidelines.
- Pro: Includes "Painless" (Acellular) vaccines that minimize fever. Covers extra diseases like Hepatitis A and Chickenpox.
- Con: Can be expensive (Full 1-year course can cost ₹30,000 to ₹50,000).
2026 Comparison Table
| Age | Govt Hospital (Free) | Private Hospital (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, OPV, HepB | BCG, OPV, HepB |
| 6, 10, 14 Weeks | Pentavalent (Painful) | Hexavalent (Painless option) |
| 6 Months | Oral Polio | Flu, Typhoid |
| 12 Months | - | Hep A, Chickenpox |
| 15 Months | - | MMR, PCV Booster |
[!IMPORTANT] "Painless" doesn't mean "Better Immunity". Both vaccines are equally effective at preventing disease. The choice is purely about the child's short-term comfort and your budget.
Summary for UP Parents
If you are on a budget, the UP Government's NIS schedule is world-class and sufficient. If you want to avoid the 2-day fever cycle and can afford it, the Private (IAP) schedule with acellular vaccines is a viable luxury.
Refer to our Vaccine Dashboard for a detailed week-by-week view.