28/01/2026
Missed Vaccines in School-Age Children: What Parents in India Should Know
Many school-going children in India miss one or more vaccines due to illness, lockdowns, travel, or busy schedules. The good news is that missed vaccines can usually be given later through a catch-up vaccination schedule.
Missing a vaccine does not mean your child has lost protection forever—but delaying too long increases the risk of infection.
Common vaccines missed by school-age children
• MMR booster
• DTaP / DTwP booster
• Polio (IPV) booster
• Typhoid vaccine
• Hepatitis A & B
• Annual flu vaccine
Why catch-up vaccination is important
• School environments increase exposure to infections
• Outbreaks spread quickly in classrooms and buses
• Some diseases cause severe illness in older children
• Catch-up restores full immunity safely
Important points for parents
• Multiple vaccines can be given safely in one visit
• A missed vaccine does not need restarting from zero
• Schedule is adjusted based on child’s age, not birth date
If you’re unsure whether your child’s vaccines are complete, a simple review can clarify what is needed.