New National Immunization Schedule of Nepal

The National Immunization Programme (NIP) is one of Nepal’s top health priorities, classified as a Priority 1 (P1) public health program by the Government of Nepal. It was first launched in 2034 BS (1977/78) as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), with the vision of protecting every child and community from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Over the decades, the program has expanded significantly, introducing new vaccines, strengthening cold-chain systems, and reaching even the most remote areas of the country. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, saving thousands of lives each year.

The Latest National Immunization Schedule of Nepal

Below is the updated immunization schedule implemented by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), reflecting the vaccines currently available under the National Immunization Programme:

Age	Vaccine	Dose Schedule	Route	Diseases Prevented
Pregnancy	Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)	1st Pregnancy: 2 doses (1-month gap); 2nd Pregnancy onwards: 1 dose	Intramuscular	Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus, Diphtheria
At Birth	BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin)	1 dose	Intradermal	Tuberculosis
6, 10, 14 weeks	Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT, HepB, Hib)	3 doses	Intramuscular	Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, H. influenzae B
6, 10, 14 weeks	OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)	3 doses	Oral	Polio
6, 10 weeks, 9 months	PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)	3 doses	Intramuscular	Pneumococcal Diseases (Meningitis, Ear & Chest Infections)
6, 10 weeks	Rotavirus Vaccine	2 doses	Oral	Rotavirus Diarrhea
14 weeks, 9 months	fIPV (Fractional Injectable Polio Vaccine)	2 doses	Intradermal	Polio
9, 15 months	MR (Measles – Rubella)	2 doses	Subcutaneous	Measles, Rubella
12 months	JE (Japanese Encephalitis)	1 dose	Subcutaneous	Japanese Encephalitis
15 months	Typhoid Vaccine	1 dose	Intramuscular	Typhoid Fever
Adolescent girls in grades 6-10 and out-of-school girls aged 10	HPV (Human Papillomavirus)	1 dose	Intramuscular	Cervical Cancer

Key Highlights of NIP

Universal Coverage: Free vaccines for all eligible children and pregnant women across Nepal.
Cold Chain System: Maintains vaccine potency even in remote areas.
Disease Elimination Goals: Focused on eradicating polio, measles, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Community Involvement: Frontline health workers, FCHVs, and community mobilizers ensure access for every child.