• 1 week ago

Routine Vaccination Schedule (Ministry of Health – Turkey)

Why Is the Vaccine Schedule So Important?

Vaccines are the most effective, scientifically proven way to protect children from dangerous infectious diseases. But for them to work effectively, they must be administered on time and without missed doses.

Turkey’s Ministry of Health offers a free, comprehensive vaccination program for all infants and children. Following this schedule protects not just the individual child, but also the wider community through herd immunity. Delayed or missed vaccines can leave children vulnerable and increase the risk of outbreaks.

National Routine Vaccination Schedule in Turkey (0–2 Years)

Age

Vaccines

Notes

At birth

Hepatitis B (1st dose)

  

1 month

Hepatitis B (2nd dose)

  

2 months

DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus (optional)

1st doses

4 months

DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus

2nd doses

6 months

DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B (3rd dose)

3rd doses

12 months

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis A (1st dose)

1st doses

18 months

DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis A

Booster doses

DTaP-IPV-Hib: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B

Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections

Rotavirus vaccine: Prevents severe diarrhea (optional but recommended)

Vaccine Schedule After Age 2

Age

Vaccines

4 years

DTaP-IPV (booster)

9 years +

HPV (optional, recommended)

Annually

Influenza (flu) vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended each autumn/winter for children over 6 months, especially those in daycare or with chronic health conditions.

How Are Vaccines Tracked?

  • Recorded by your family physician and entered into the e-Nabız system
  • Parents are notified of upcoming vaccines via health center reminders
  • Vaccination cards and digital tracking ensure follow-up
  • Missed doses are addressed with a catch-up schedule
  • Regular contact with your pediatrician helps maintain the full schedule

Key Information for Parents

  • All vaccines listed in the schedule are free of charge
  • Vaccines are not given if the child has a fever over 38°C
  • Preemptive use of fever medication is not recommended
  • Mild reactions like swelling, fever, or fussiness are common
  • Observation for 24–48 hours after vaccination is advised

 

Vaccination Support with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

  • Personalized scheduling based on age, growth, and medical history
  • Identification of missing doses and catch-up planning
  • Monitoring and guidance after each vaccination
  • Addressing vaccine hesitancy with science and empathy
  • Adjusted vaccination plans for children with allergies or special needs