As a new parent, there’s nothing more important than keeping your baby safe and healthy. One of the key ways to protect your little one from serious illnesses is through vaccinations. While we know that the topic of infant vaccines can sometimes feel overwhelming, understanding what each vaccine does, why it’s important, and what to expect can make the process easier. Let’s walk through the vaccinations your infant will receive during their first year, why each one matters, and address some common questions and concerns parents often have.
Infant Vaccines: Birth to 12 Months
Infant vaccinations are scheduled to provide protection as early as possible, shielding babies from diseases they’re most vulnerable to. Here’s what you can expect in the first year:
Birth
- Hepatitis B (HepB): This is the first vaccine your baby will receive, typically within the first 24 hours after birth. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be passed from mother to child during birth. Early vaccination provides protection against this potentially serious illness.
- Side Effects: Mild soreness at the injection site or a slight fever.
1 Week-1 Month
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) antibody immunization: passive immunity given by an injection administered to young babies (can be given as early as the first week of life) who are born during RSV season. This immunization is not necessary if their mother was vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy.
2 Months
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): This combination vaccine protects against three serious bacterial illnesses. Diphtheria can cause breathing difficulties, tetanus affects the nervous system, and pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
- Polio (IPV): Polio is a virus that can cause paralysis and lifelong disability, so protecting your baby from it early is crucial.
- Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b): Hib is a bacteria that can lead to severe infections like meningitis (brain infection) and pneumonia.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15): This vaccine protects against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia and meningitis.
- Rotavirus: Given orally, this vaccine protects against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in young children.
- Side Effects for 2-Month Vaccines: Low-grade fever, fussiness, or mild swelling at the injection site; rotavirus may cause mild digestive upset.
4 Months
- DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV15, and Rotavirus: At this visit, your baby will receive second doses of these vaccines to boost immunity.
- Side Effects: Similar to the 2-month visit; generally mild and resolve quickly.
- 6 Months
- DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV15, and Rotavirus (if part of a 3-dose series): These third doses are boosters that help build long-term protection.
- HepB: The final dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is typically given between 6-18 months.
- Side Effects: Again, side effects are mild, such as slight fever or tenderness at the injection site.
6-12 Months
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Starting at 6 months, your baby can receive their first flu shot, which is recommended annually. The flu can be more dangerous for young children, and the vaccine helps protect against it. For their first flu season, children will need 2 doses of the flu shot at least 4 weeks apart.
- Side Effects: Soreness at the injection site, low fever, or mild fatigue.
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis A, PCV15: No earlier than 12 months, your baby can receive their first doses of the MMRV and hepatitis A vaccines. The MMRV combination vaccine protects against the viruses: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, which are all diseases that can cause severe breathing problems, blindness, deafness, inflammation of the brain, and inflammation of the heart. Hepatitis A vaccine protects against a virus that can cause inflammation of the liver, which can make you very ill or lead to liver failure in rare cases. The PCV15 vaccine is a booster.
Why These Vaccines Are Important
Each of these vaccines plays a critical role in protecting your baby from potentially life-threatening diseases:
- HepB: Prevents a lifelong liver infection that can lead to liver cancer.
- DTaP: Protects against bacterial respiratory diseases and nervous system infections, especially whooping cough, which can be severe in infants.
- Polio: Prevents paralysis and protects communities by reducing polio transmission.
- Hib and PCV15: Help prevent dangerous infections like meningitis and pneumonia.
- Rotavirus: Reduces severe gastroenteritis, which can lead to dehydration in infants (that often requires hospitalization).
- Flu: Helps prevent seasonal influenza, which can lead to serious complications in young children.
- MMRV: Presents infection from measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox), which can cause life-long problems to vision, hearing, and the heart.
- Hepatitis A: Prevents liver disease and complications.
FAQs About Infant Vaccinations
Q: Are these vaccines safe?
A: Yes. Infant vaccines are rigorously tested (for years) for safety and effectiveness before they’re recommended. While side effects are possible, they are usually mild and temporary. The benefits of protecting your child from serious diseases far outweigh the risks of side effects.
Q: Can I delay or skip some vaccines?
A: Delaying or skipping vaccines puts your baby at risk of contracting preventable diseases. Vaccines are scheduled in a way that protects children when they’re most vulnerable. If you have concerns, speak with your pediatrician—they can address your questions and work with you to find the best plan for your child. But, yes, some can be delayed, and a unique schedule can be created for your child.
Q: Will multiple vaccines at once overwhelm my baby’s immune system?
A: No. Babies are exposed to countless germs every day, and their immune systems are built to handle them. Vaccines use only a small portion of the immune system’s capacity, so multiple vaccines do not overwhelm or harm your baby’s immune system.
Q: What should I do if my baby has a mild reaction, like a fever?
A: Mild reactions, such as a slight fever or fussiness, are common and usually resolve on their own. You can offer comfort by keeping your baby hydrated, dressing them in light clothing, and consulting with your pediatrician about fever reducers if needed. It is generally recommended to avoid the use of medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever or discomfort, as these medications can reduce the immune response to the vaccine.
Q: Why does my baby need vaccines for diseases that seem rare?
A: Vaccines have made these diseases rare by preventing their spread. However, if vaccination rates drop, these diseases could become common again. By vaccinating your baby, you’re helping protect your child and prevent the resurgence of these serious illnesses.
Your Doctor is Your Number One Resource for Questions About Vaccinations
The first year of life is a critical time for building your baby’s immune defenses. Vaccinations are an essential part of this journey, offering protection that will last a lifetime. If you ever have questions or concerns about vaccines, remember that your doctor is here to help. Together, we can ensure that your baby grows up strong, healthy, and protected.