Pakistan EPI full schedule (2024)
Pakistan's 2024 EPI schedule covers 13 antigens across 20 doses from birth to 15 months. It is one of the most comprehensive in South Asia, including TCV (typhoid conjugate) — added after Pakistan's XDR typhoid outbreak — and Varicella.
| Age | Vaccine | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| At birth | BCG (Dose 1) | Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (tuberculosis) |
| At birth | OPV 0 (Dose 0) | Oral Polio Vaccine (zero dose) |
| At birth | Hepatitis B (Dose 1) | Hepatitis B birth dose |
| 6 weeks | Penta 1 (Dose 1) | DPT + Hepatitis B + Hib (Pentavalent) |
| 6 weeks | OPV 1 (Dose 1) | Oral Polio Vaccine |
| 6 weeks | PCV 1 (Dose 1) | Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine |
| 6 weeks | Rotavirus 1 (Dose 1) | Rotavirus Vaccine |
| 10 weeks | Penta 2 (Dose 2) | DPT + Hepatitis B + Hib (Pentavalent) |
| 10 weeks | OPV 2 (Dose 2) | Oral Polio Vaccine |
| 10 weeks | PCV 2 (Dose 2) | Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine |
| 10 weeks | Rotavirus 2 (Dose 2) | Rotavirus Vaccine |
| 14 weeks | Penta 3 (Dose 3) | DPT + Hepatitis B + Hib (Pentavalent) |
| 14 weeks | OPV 3 (Dose 3) | Oral Polio Vaccine |
| 14 weeks | PCV 3 (Dose 3) | Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine |
| 14 weeks | IPV (Dose 1) | Inactivated Polio Vaccine |
| 9 months | Measles 1 (Dose 1) | Measles Vaccine (first dose) |
| 9 months | MenA (Dose 1) | Meningococcal A Conjugate Vaccine |
| 12 months | TCV (Dose 1) | Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine |
| 15 months | MR (Dose 1) | Measles-Rubella Vaccine |
| 15 months | Varicella (Dose 1) | Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine |
Source: Pakistan EPI National Schedule 2024. epi.gov.pk
Why vaccination coverage matters in Pakistan
Pakistan's routine immunisation coverage has improved significantly — from around 54% in 2006 to 83% in 2018 (PDHS). But coverage remains uneven: urban areas and Punjab province have higher rates than rural Balochistan and KPK. Each unvaccinated child is at risk from preventable diseases and can transmit them to infants too young to be vaccinated.
Pakistan's polio programme is a particular priority. Despite remaining one of two polio-endemic countries, intensive vaccination campaigns have reduced cases dramatically. Every oral polio dose — at health facilities and during campaign days — is essential to the global eradication goal.
Pakistan's XDR typhoid and TCV
In 2016, Hyderabad, Sindh experienced a large outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid — a strain resistant to virtually all first-line antibiotics. By 2019 it had spread to Karachi and other cities. Pakistan became the first country in the world to introduce TCV (Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine) into its routine EPI schedule at scale in 2021. TCV provides longer-lasting immunity than the older Vi-polysaccharide vaccine and is effective from 6 months of age. It is now given at 12 months in the EPI schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is EPI Pakistan?
EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) is Pakistan's national childhood vaccination programme, administered by the Ministry of National Health Services. It provides free vaccines against 13 diseases at government health facilities, Lady Health Worker (LHW) centres, and during vaccination campaigns.
What vaccines are in Pakistan's EPI schedule?
The 2024 Pakistan EPI schedule includes: BCG (TB), Hepatitis B (birth dose), OPV (oral polio), Pentavalent/Penta (DPT + HepB + Hib), PCV (pneumonia), Rotavirus (diarrhoea), IPV (inactivated polio), Measles, MenA (meningococcal A), TCV (typhoid conjugate), Measles-Rubella (MR), and Varicella (chickenpox).
What if my child has missed a vaccine?
Missed vaccines should be given as soon as possible — there is no need to restart a series. If a child is over 2 years and has missed all EPI vaccines, a 'catch-up' schedule can be discussed with your doctor. Vaccines given late are still effective.
Are EPI vaccines free in Pakistan?
Yes. All EPI vaccines are free of charge at government Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural Health Centres (RHCs), District Headquarters Hospitals, and through Lady Health Workers. Vaccines are also available at private hospitals and clinics for a fee.
Is the polio vaccine still needed in Pakistan?
Yes — critically so. Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus transmission continues (the other is Afghanistan). OPV is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with IPV at 14 weeks for stronger immunity. Children should also receive supplementary OPV doses during National Immunisation Days (NIDs).
What is TCV and why was it added to Pakistan's schedule?
TCV (Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine) was added to Pakistan's EPI schedule in 2021 following a large outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid in Hyderabad and Karachi starting in 2016. Pakistan was the first country globally to introduce TCV into its routine schedule at scale. It is given at 12 months.
Can my child be vaccinated if they have a fever?
Mild illness with low-grade fever is not a contraindication to vaccination — the child can still be vaccinated. Moderate-to-severe illness with high fever: delay vaccination until recovered. A cold, runny nose, or diarrhoea alone is not a reason to skip a vaccine visit.
What side effects are normal after EPI vaccines?
Common and normal reactions: mild fever for 1–2 days (paracetamol syrup in weight-appropriate doses may help), soreness and redness at the injection site, irritability. BCG causes a small blister that scabs over — this is expected. Serious reactions are rare. Seek care if: fever above 39°C lasting more than 2 days, severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or seizures.