Vaccines in Pakistan (Bachon ke Tike): Which Ones and Why They Matter

Reviewed by Dr Asma

Few things protect a family as well as vaccines, yet many parents in Pakistan still feel unsure about them. Questions come up constantly. Which tike are free and which are optional? Is a mild fever after the injection normal? Do adults need vaccines too? This guide answers the common questions in plain language so you can talk to your doctor with confidence. It does not replace the schedule given by your own doctor or vaccination centre.

How vaccines work

A vaccine shows your immune system a harmless piece or weakened form of a germ so it can learn to fight it. If the real germ arrives later, the body responds quickly and the illness is usually milder or does not happen at all. Many vaccines also protect others around you by reducing how easily a disease spreads, which matters for newborns and people who cannot be vaccinated.

Routine childhood vaccines

Pakistan runs the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which offers routine vaccines free of charge at government health centres. These cover diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Hib, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, measles and others. The programme has been updated over the years, for example with typhoid conjugate vaccine in some areas, so ask your local health centre for the current card and timings.

Some private doctors also offer additional or alternative vaccines such as certain combination injections, chickenpox, hepatitis A and the flu vaccine. These are a conversation to have with your paediatrician, who can advise what suits your child.

Keep the vaccination card safe

The card is a record you will need for school admission, travel and future doctor visits. Take a photo of it on your phone. If your child misses a visit, do not panic or restart. Your doctor can usually continue from where you left off, which is called catch up vaccination.

Vaccines for adults and special groups

Vaccination does not stop at childhood. Depending on your situation, your doctor may advise:

• Tetanus booster: after certain injuries and during pregnancy.
• Hepatitis B: for healthcare workers, people with diabetes and others at risk. See our article on hepatitis B and C treatment.
• Influenza (flu): yearly for older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma, heart or kidney disease. Read about flu season in Pakistan.
• Pneumococcal: for older adults and people with long term lung or other conditions.
• Typhoid: especially relevant in areas with unsafe water. See our typhoid guide.
• Travel vaccines: for example meningitis vaccine is required for Umrah and Hajj, and polio rules apply to international travel from Pakistan. Check current requirements well before you travel.
• HPV and others: may be discussed by your doctor in selected cases.

Common reactions after a vaccine

Most reactions are mild and show that the body is responding. These include soreness, redness or a small lump where the injection was given, a low fever, tiredness, fussiness in babies and reduced appetite for a day. A cool cloth on the spot and plenty of fluids and breastfeeding or feeding help. If you wish to give a fever medicine, ask your doctor first, and follow the guidance in our article on fever in children and when to worry.

Call your doctor promptly for a very high fever, a fever that lasts more than a couple of days, unusual sleepiness, continuous crying for hours, seizures, or swelling that keeps spreading. Rare but serious allergic reactions usually appear within minutes to an hour, which is why it is sensible to stay at the clinic for a short time after the injection. Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face is an emergency.

The cold chain matters

Vaccines are delicate and must be kept within a set temperature range from the factory to the injection. If they get too warm or freeze, they can lose their effect. This is one reason to get vaccines only from a reliable clinic, hospital or authorised supplier, and never from an unknown seller. If you are buying a vaccine on a doctor’s advice, do not keep it at home for days. Ask how it should be transported and kept. Our Vaccines category lists what is currently available, and a prescription can be sent through the upload prescription page. To check any product, see our guide on reading a medicine label for expiry and fakes.

Common myths

• Myth: A mild cold means the vaccine must be skipped. Fact: A minor cold usually is not a reason to delay, but a high fever is, so ask your doctor.
• Myth: Natural infection is better than a vaccine. Fact: Natural infection can cause serious harm, disability or death.
• Myth: Too many vaccines overload the baby. Fact: A baby handles far more germs every day than vaccines contain.

What to ask your doctor

• Which vaccines are due now, and which are optional for my child or me?
• Is there anything about my health, allergies or pregnancy that changes the plan?
• What reactions should I expect, and when should I call you?
• Can I give a fever medicine, and which one?
• Where should I get the next one, and how do I catch up on any missed?

Frequently asked questions

Are EPI vaccines safe?

Yes. They are widely used worldwide and are monitored for safety. Serious side effects are very rare.

What if my baby cries a lot after a tika?

Some fussiness is common. Comfort, feed and cuddle your baby, and call the doctor if it is extreme or lasts long.

Can I vaccinate while breastfeeding?

Most vaccines are fine for breastfeeding mothers, but confirm with your doctor.

Do vaccines last forever?

Some give long protection and others need boosters. Your doctor will tell you which.

Can pregnant women get vaccines?

Some are recommended and some are avoided in pregnancy, so always ask your gynaecologist first.

Important note

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a doctor, paediatrician or your nearest vaccination centre for the schedule that suits you or your child.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any treatment.