Child health

Vaccination Schedule

Your child's immunity journey from birth to 18 months — step by step.

Explore the vaccines at each age and what each one protects against, in a simple, friendly way.

Educational content based on the Egyptian Ministry of Health schedule and trusted medical sources (WHO and UNICEF). · Last updated: May 2026

Key facts

  • A child's vaccinations begin on the first day after birth and continue until 18 months of age.
  • Mandatory vaccines are provided free of charge at health offices and units across Egypt.
  • Core schedule stops: at birth, 2 months, 4, 6 and 9 months, and 12 and 18 months.
  • For vaccination enquiries in Egypt: Ministry of Health hotline 105.
1 of 7 stops
Immunity shield
At birth2 months4 months6 months9 months12 months18 months

Stage 1 of 7

At birth

Mandatory vaccines

  • BCG

    Protects against: Tuberculosis

    Usually given in the left arm; the small mark it leaves is normal.

    Injection

  • Oral polio (zero dose)

    Protects against: Polio

    Oral

  • Hepatitis B (birth dose)

    Protects against: Hepatitis B

    Given within the first 24 hours of life.

    Injection

This schedule is for general information and may vary for your child — consult your pediatrician and local health office. Hotline: 105.

Sources: EgyptToday · Egypt MoH · WHO

Full vaccination schedule by age

At birth

Mandatory vaccines

  • BCG (Injection) — Protects against: Tuberculosis
  • Oral polio (zero dose) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio
  • Hepatitis B (birth dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Hepatitis B

2 months

Mandatory vaccines

  • Pentavalent (1st dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hep B, Hib
  • IPV / Salk (1st dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Polio
  • Oral polio (OPV) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio

Recommended additional vaccines

  • Rotavirus (optional) (Oral) — Protects against: Severe gastroenteritis
  • Pneumococcal (optional) (Injection) — Protects against: Pneumonia, meningitis

4 months

Mandatory vaccines

  • Pentavalent (2nd dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hep B, Hib
  • IPV / Salk (2nd dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Polio
  • Oral polio (OPV) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio

Recommended additional vaccines

  • Rotavirus (optional) (Oral) — Protects against: Severe gastroenteritis
  • Pneumococcal (optional) (Injection) — Protects against: Pneumonia, meningitis

6 months

Mandatory vaccines

  • Pentavalent (3rd dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hep B, Hib
  • IPV / Salk (3rd dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Polio
  • Oral polio (OPV) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio

Recommended additional vaccines

  • Seasonal flu (optional) (Injection) — Protects against: Seasonal influenza

9 months

Mandatory vaccines

  • Oral polio (booster) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio
  • Vitamin A capsule (Capsule) — Protects against: Immunity & eye health

12 months

Mandatory vaccines

  • MMR (1st dose) (Injection) — Protects against: Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Oral polio (booster) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio

Recommended additional vaccines

  • Varicella (optional) (Injection) — Protects against: Chickenpox

18 months

Mandatory vaccines

  • DTwP booster (Injection) — Protects against: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
  • Oral polio (booster) (Oral) — Protects against: Polio
  • MMR (booster) (Injection) — Protects against: Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Vitamin A capsule (Capsule) — Protects against: Immunity & eye health

Frequently asked questions

When do childhood vaccinations start in Egypt?

A child's vaccinations start on the first day after birth with BCG, oral polio, and hepatitis B, then continue on a regular schedule until 18 months of age.

Are childhood vaccines free in Egypt?

Yes. Mandatory vaccines in the national immunization programme are provided free of charge at health offices and units run by the Egyptian Ministry of Health.

What is the difference between mandatory and additional vaccines?

Mandatory vaccines are provided free by the national programme and are essential, while additional vaccines such as rotavirus and pneumococcal are recommended by pediatricians, taken optionally and usually at the family’s expense.

Where can I vaccinate my child in Egypt?

You can vaccinate your child at the nearest health office or unit, or at your pediatrician. For schedules and locations, call the Ministry of Health hotline 105.

What vaccines are given at At birth?

BCG, Oral polio (zero dose), Hepatitis B (birth dose)

What vaccines are given at 2 months?

Pentavalent (1st dose), IPV / Salk (1st dose), Oral polio (OPV), Rotavirus (optional), Pneumococcal (optional)

What vaccines are given at 4 months?

Pentavalent (2nd dose), IPV / Salk (2nd dose), Oral polio (OPV), Rotavirus (optional), Pneumococcal (optional)

What vaccines are given at 6 months?

Pentavalent (3rd dose), IPV / Salk (3rd dose), Oral polio (OPV), Seasonal flu (optional)

What vaccines are given at 9 months?

Oral polio (booster), Vitamin A capsule

What vaccines are given at 12 months?

MMR (1st dose), Oral polio (booster), Varicella (optional)

What vaccines are given at 18 months?

DTwP booster, Oral polio (booster), MMR (booster), Vitamin A capsule