Every parent in Lahore receives an EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunisation) card at discharge from the hospital or after the first well-baby visit. This green booklet tracks the government’s free vaccination schedule — but it covers only a fraction of the vaccines your child needs for complete protection. Understanding the gap between the EPI schedule and the WHO’s full recommended list is one of the most important things a parent can do in the first two years of their child’s life.
What Pakistan’s EPI Schedule Covers
The national EPI programme — funded by the government and supported by UNICEF and WHO — currently provides the following vaccines free of charge at government facilities:
| Vaccine | Age | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| BCG | At birth | Tuberculosis (TB) |
| OPV + IPV | Birth, 6, 10, 14 weeks + 9 months | Polio |
| Pentavalent (DTP-HepB-Hib) | 6, 10, 14 weeks | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) | 6, 10, 14 weeks | Pneumococcal disease |
| Rota | 6, 10 weeks | Rotavirus diarrhoea |
| MR / MMR | 9 months + 15 months | Measles, Rubella (+ Mumps in MMR) |
| TCV | 9 months | Typhoid (conjugate, long-lasting) |
Note: PCV and Rota were added to the national EPI only in 2023–2024. Some districts may still have supply gaps. Always verify at your government facility.
What EPI Does Not Cover — Private Vaccines at Sehat Medical Complex
Several vaccines strongly recommended by WHO and the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) are not yet part of the national programme. These are available privately at the clinic:
| Vaccine | Schedule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 12 months + 4–6 years | Prevents severe skin infection, pneumonia, encephalitis from chickenpox |
| Hepatitis A | 12 months + 18 months | Lahore’s water quality makes Hep A a significant risk; EPI only covers Hep B |
| Annual Influenza (Flu) | Every October, from 6 months | Flu in infants causes febrile seizures and hospitalisation; prevents school absence |
| Meningococcal (MenACWY) | 2 years + booster at 10 years | Meningococcal meningitis kills within 24 hours; essential before Hajj/Umrah travel |
| HPV (Gardasil 9) | 9–14 years (2 doses); 15+ years (3 doses) | Prevents cervical cancer — WHO calls this the most cancer-preventive vaccine available |
Cold-Chain Integrity — Why It Matters at Every Clinic
Vaccines are temperature-sensitive biological products. Storage above +8°C or below 0°C can destroy vaccine potency without any visible change in appearance. At Sehat Medical Complex, all vaccines are stored in a dedicated pharmacy-grade refrigerator with a continuous temperature monitor and manual log. Dr. Ahmed does not accept vaccines from suppliers who cannot demonstrate intact cold-chain documentation.
Before any private vaccination: Ask the clinic to show you the vaccine manufacturer’s label (including expiry date and batch number) and confirm the fridge temperature log. This is your right as a patient.
Catch-Up Vaccination
If your child has missed doses — either due to missed appointments, supply shortages, or moving cities — a catch-up schedule can be designed. The general rule is: if fewer than 12 months have passed since a missed dose, continue the series. If more than 12 months have elapsed, some vaccines require re-starting the primary series. Dr. Ahmed will review your child’s EPI card and design a personalised catch-up plan at the first visit.
Common Parent Questions
Q: My child had a fever after the 6-week pentavalent injection. Should I skip the 10-week dose?
A: Low-grade fever (up to 38.5°C) for 24 hours is an expected immune response to the DTP component — it confirms the immune system is responding. Give paracetamol (15 mg/kg) at the time of vaccination and 6 hours later. Do not skip future doses. Anaphylaxis (true allergic reaction) is different from post-vaccination fever and is extremely rare (1 in 1,000,000 doses).
Q: Are the vaccines at private clinics the same as the EPI brand?
A: Private clinics typically use WHO pre-qualified imported brands (e.g., Infanrix, Pediarix, Prevnar 13/20). The EPI uses procured batches from WHO-prequalified manufacturers as well. The antigens are identical or equivalent; the formulation may differ slightly. Both are effective.
Q: My child is 3 years old and has no EPI card. What do we do?
A: A missing card does not mean zero immunity — in Pakistan, it often means incomplete documentation. Dr. Ahmed will assess the child’s age, likely exposure history, and recommend a streamlined catch-up schedule. Blood titre tests are rarely needed except for specific situations (immunocompromised children, international travel requirements).
Vaccination clinics at Sehat Medical Complex, Business Bay, Block M-1, Lake City, Lahore are held during regular consultation hours: Monday–Saturday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Call 0302 1843389 or WhatsApp 0302 1843389.