Vaccination Schedule Calculator: Complete Guide to National Immunization Schedule
Why is Baby Vaccination Important?
Vaccination is the most effective and safe way to protect children from infectious diseases. The national immunization program recommended by KDCA is provided free of charge and systematically administers essential vaccines from newborns to 12 years of age.
Vaccination not only protects individuals but also forms herd immunity to prevent the spread of infectious diseases throughout the community. Especially during the first 2 years of life, immunity is weak and vulnerable to infection, so it is very important to vaccinate according to the recommended schedule.
National Immunization Program (NIP)
The Republic of Korea National Immunization Program provides free vaccines for 17 types of infectious diseases:
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria¡Tetanus¡Pertussis (DTaP)
- Polio (IPV)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) - Meningitis
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
- Measles¡Mumps¡Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (VAR)
- Hepatitis A
- Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Influenza (Flu)
Age-Based Vaccination Schedule
At Birth
- BCG (Tuberculosis): Within 4 weeks after birth, 1 dose
- Hepatitis B 1st dose: Immediately after birth (0-1 month)
2 Months
- DTaP 1st dose (Diphtheria¡Tetanus¡Pertussis)
- IPV 1st dose (Polio)
- Hib 1st dose (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- PCV 1st dose (Pneumococcal)
- Hepatitis B 2nd dose
4 Months
- DTaP 2nd dose
- IPV 2nd dose
- Hib 2nd dose
- PCV 2nd dose
6 Months
- DTaP 3rd dose
- IPV 3rd dose
- Hib 3rd dose
- PCV 3rd dose
- Hepatitis B 3rd dose
12 Months
- MMR 1st dose (Measles¡Mumps¡Rubella)
- Varicella 1st dose
- Hib 4th dose (Booster)
- PCV 4th dose (Booster)
12-23 Months
- Hepatitis A 1st, 2nd doses (6-12 months apart)
- Japanese Encephalitis 1st, 2nd, 3rd doses (live or inactivated vaccine)
15-18 Months
- DTaP 4th dose
4-6 Years
- DTaP 5th dose
- IPV 4th dose
- MMR 2nd dose
- Japanese Encephalitis 4th dose
11-12 Years
- Tdap (Tetanus¡Diphtheria¡Pertussis)
- Japanese Encephalitis 5th dose
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) 1st, 2nd doses (12-year-old girls)
Key Vaccine Descriptions
BCG (Tuberculosis Vaccine)
Prevents respiratory infections caused by tuberculosis bacteria. Korea is a medium-risk country for tuberculosis, so it is recommended for all newborns. There are two types: intradermal and percutaneous, and a scar remains at the injection site 2-3 months after vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Prevents Hepatitis B virus infection to prevent chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. A total of 3 doses are given immediately after birth, at 1 month, and at 6 months. If the mother is a Hepatitis B carrier, vaccination must be given immediately within 12 hours after birth.
DTaP (Diphtheria¡Tetanus¡Pertussis)
A combination vaccine that prevents 3 bacterial diseases simultaneously. Diphtheria causes breathing difficulties, tetanus causes muscle stiffness, and pertussis causes severe coughing. A total of 5 doses are given at 2, 4, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age.
MMR (Measles¡Mumps¡Rubella)
A combination live vaccine that prevents 3 viral diseases. Measles causes rash and high fever, mumps causes salivary gland swelling, and rubella can cause congenital malformations if a pregnant woman is infected. Two doses are given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.
Pneumococcal (PCV)
Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media caused by pneumococcus. It can be fatal especially in infants under 2 years of age, so it is an essential vaccination. A total of 4 doses are given at 2, 4, 6 months, and 12-15 months of age.
Japanese Encephalitis
Prevents viral encephalitis transmitted by mosquitoes. You can choose between live vaccine (2 doses) and inactivated vaccine (5 doses), each with different number of doses and intervals.
Precautions Before and After Vaccination
Before Vaccination
- Postpone if the child has a fever or is seriously ill
- Bring the vaccination record
- Bathe as usual and keep clean
- Have a light meal (not on empty stomach)
After Vaccination
- Stay at the medical facility for 20-30 minutes after vaccination to observe adverse reactions
- Avoid strenuous exercise on the day and the next day
- Keep the injection site clean (bathing is possible)
- Sufficient water intake
- Do not rub or scratch the injection site
Common Adverse Reactions
- Redness, swelling, pain at injection site (improves within 2-3 days)
- Low-grade fever (below 38°C)
- Fussiness, loss of appetite
- Hives (mild cases)
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Hospital Visit
- High fever (38.5°C or higher)
- Seizures or decreased consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling)
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe swelling or pain at injection site
Vaccination Contraindications
Vaccination should be postponed or avoided in the following cases:
- If there was a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccination
- If allergic to vaccine components
- If receiving immunosuppressive treatment or have immunodeficiency disease
- If there is an acute febrile illness (vaccinate after fever subsides)
- If recently received blood transfusion or immunoglobulin administration (vaccinate 3-11 months later)
Mild cold or diarrhea are not contraindications. If you are concerned, please consult with a pediatrician.
Vaccination Certificate
Vaccination records are important medical records that should be kept for life. You can obtain an electronic vaccination certificate from the Vaccination Helper website (https://nip.kdca.go.kr), which is required when entering daycare, kindergarten, school, or traveling abroad.
You can also check and print from Government 24, mobile apps, etc., and vaccination records from public health centers and designated medical facilities are automatically registered.