As a new parent, it’s natural to have questions about what vaccinations your baby needs and when. Keeping your little one protected from harmful diseases is a top priority, and understanding the recommended immunization schedule can help you stay on track. In this article, we will guide you through the essential vaccinations your baby needs during their first year of life and explain when it’s best to get them. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your baby receives the necessary protection for a healthy start in life.
Vaccinations for Newborns
As a responsible parent, you want to prioritize your baby’s health and well-being. One way to do that is by ensuring they receive the necessary vaccinations. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting your newborn from various infectious diseases. Let’s explore the vaccinations recommended for newborns and understand their importance.
Hepatitis B
Shortly after birth, your baby will receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. While it may not seem like a concern for newborns, it’s important to vaccinate them because the virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. By getting the Hepatitis B vaccine, you are safeguarding your little one from a potentially life-threatening disease.
BCG (Tuberculosis)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. The BCG vaccine helps protect your baby against TB by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight the bacteria that cause the disease. Although TB is not as prevalent in some countries, it is still recommended to give your newborn the BCG vaccine, especially if you live in an area with a high TB burden or have a family history of the disease.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, even death. The Oral Polio Vaccine, administrated as drops in the mouth, stimulates the production of antibodies that prevent the poliovirus from infecting the body. By giving your baby the OPV, you are contributing to the global effort to eradicate polio and protecting them from this debilitating disease.
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause severe illnesses like meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis in young children. The Hib vaccine is essential in protecting your baby from these potentially dangerous infections. By building immunity against Hib, you are providing your little one with a strong defense system against this bacterium, reducing the risk of severe illness and complications.
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
The DTaP vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can lead to difficulty breathing and heart problems, while tetanus causes muscle stiffness and can be life-threatening. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be severe, especially in infants. By getting the DTaP vaccine, you are providing comprehensive protection against these three diseases at once.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and can lead to severe illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The PCV vaccine helps prevent these infections by effectively targeting the various strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. By vaccinating your newborn with PCV, you are ensuring they have a strong defense system against pneumococcal disease, reducing the risk of serious complications.
Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and hospitalization. The rotavirus vaccine helps protect your baby from this common and potentially life-threatening infection. By vaccinating your newborn against rotavirus, you can spare them from the discomfort and danger of a rotavirus infection and associated complications.
2 Months
Congratulations! Your baby has reached the milestone of two months. This marks another round of essential vaccinations to fortify their immune system and protect them from various diseases.
DTaP (1st dose)
At two months, your baby will receive the first dose of the DTaP vaccine. This vaccine is given in a series of doses to ensure optimal protection. The initial dose helps your baby start building immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Hib (1st dose)
The first dose of the Hib vaccine is also administered at two months. It further strengthens your baby’s defense against Haemophilus influenzae type b, preventing severe infections like meningitis and pneumonia.
IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) (1st dose)
The initial dose of the IPV vaccine, an inactivated form of the polio virus, is given at two months. This vaccine adds another layer of protection against the poliovirus, ensuring your baby’s immunity develops progressively.
PCV (1st dose)
The first dose of the PCV vaccine, which guards against pneumococcal bacteria, is administered at two months. This vaccine provides crucial protection against pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
RV1 (Rotavirus Vaccine) (1st dose)
At two months, your baby will also receive the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine. This oral vaccine protects against the highly contagious rotavirus, preventing severe diarrhea and dehydration.
4 Months
Your baby is growing and developing at a rapid pace, and it’s time for their next round of vaccinations. These vaccines will further strengthen their immune system and protect them from potentially harmful infections.
DTaP (2nd dose)
At four months, your baby will receive the second dose of the DTaP vaccine. This helps boost their immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, offering continued protection against these diseases.
Hib (2nd dose)
The second dose of the Hib vaccine is administered at four months, providing additional defense against Haemophilus influenzae type b and lowering the risk of severe infections such as meningitis and pneumonia.
IPV (2nd dose)
Your baby will receive the second dose of the IPV vaccine at four months, strengthening their immunity against the poliovirus. This vaccine plays a crucial role in keeping polio at bay and protecting your little one from this debilitating disease.
PCV (2nd dose)
The second dose of the PCV vaccine is given at four months. This ensures ongoing protection against pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
RV1 (2nd dose)
At four months, your baby will also receive the second dose of the rotavirus vaccine. This vaccine continues to defend against rotavirus, significantly reducing the risk of severe diarrhea and associated complications.
6 Months
Your baby has reached the six-month mark, and their immune system is getting stronger with each passing day. Now is the time to provide them with the next set of vaccinations, as well as introduce an annual vaccine.
DTaP (3rd dose)
At six months, your baby will receive the third dose of the DTaP vaccine, ensuring their immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis continues to develop and stay strong.
Hib (3rd dose)
The third dose of the Hib vaccine is administered at six months, further strengthening protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b and reducing the risk of severe infections such as meningitis and pneumonia.
PCV (3rd dose)
At six months, your baby will receive the third dose of the PCV vaccine, keeping their defense against pneumococcal diseases robust. This vaccine continues to protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
RV1 (3rd dose)
The third dose of the rotavirus vaccine is given at six months, ensuring ongoing protection against rotavirus and minimizing the chances of severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Influenza Vaccine (Yearly)
From the age of six months, it is recommended that your baby receives a yearly influenza vaccine. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can cause severe illness, especially in young children. By getting your baby vaccinated annually, you are reducing their chances of contracting the flu and experiencing its potentially dangerous complications.
12 to 15 Months
Your baby is now a year old or approaching their first birthday, and it’s time for several important vaccines that will continue to safeguard their health and well-being.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) (1st dose)
At 12 to 15 months, your baby will receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine. This vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, three highly contagious diseases that can lead to severe complications. By ensuring your child receives the MMR vaccine, you are keeping them safe from these potentially dangerous infections.
Hib (booster dose)
Along with the MMR vaccine, a booster dose of the Hib vaccine will be administered at 12 to 15 months. This booster further strengthens your baby’s defense against Haemophilus influenzae type b, reducing the risk of severe illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia.
Varicella (Chickenpox) (1st dose)
The first dose of the varicella vaccine, protecting against chickenpox, is given at 12 to 15 months. Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause discomfort and potential complications. By getting your baby vaccinated against varicella, you are preventing them from experiencing the discomfort and associated risks of this common childhood illness.
PCV (booster dose)
At 12 to 15 months, your baby will receive a booster dose of the PCV vaccine. This additional dose enhances their defense against pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Hepatitis A (2 doses)
The first dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine is usually given between 12 to 15 months, followed by a second dose six to eighteen months later. Hepatitis A is a liver infection that can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. By vaccinating your baby against Hepatitis A, you are taking preventive measures against this potentially severe infection.
12 to 23 Months
Between 12 to 23 months, your baby will receive the second dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine, ensuring optimal protection against this liver infection.
15 to 18 Months
Your baby’s immunity is growing stronger each day, and it’s time for another round of vaccines to continue reinforcing their defense system.
DTaP (4th dose)
At 15 to 18 months, your baby will receive the fourth dose of the DTaP vaccine. This maintains their immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis while ensuring ongoing protection against these diseases as they grow.
IPV (3rd dose)
The third dose of the IPV vaccine is administered at 15 to 18 months, further fortifying your baby’s immunity against the poliovirus and reducing the risk of polio.
Hepatitis A (booster dose)
At 15 to 18 months, your baby will also receive a booster dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine. This additional dose helps strengthen their immunity against Hepatitis A, guarding them against potential infections and associated complications.
4 to 6 Years
As your child grows older, it is crucial to maintain their immunity by staying up to date with vaccinations. At the age of 4 to 6 years, they will receive the following vaccines.
DTaP (5th dose)
The fifth and final dose of the DTaP vaccine is given at 4 to 6 years. By completing the full series of DTaP vaccinations, you are ensuring your child’s immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis remains strong.
IPV (4th dose)
At 4 to 6 years, your child will receive the fourth dose of the IPV vaccine, further solidifying their protection against the poliovirus and reducing the risk of polio.
MMR (2nd dose)
The second dose of the MMR vaccine is administered at 4 to 6 years, reinforcing immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccination helps maintain protection against these highly contagious diseases, ensuring your child’s well-being.
Varicella (2nd dose)
The second dose of the varicella vaccine is given at 4 to 6 years. By providing this additional dose, you are enhancing your child’s defense against chickenpox and minimizing the chances of them contracting this infectious illness.
11 to 12 Years
As your child reaches adolescence, their vaccination schedule undergoes a change. At 11 to 12 years old, they will receive the following vaccines.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis)
The Tdap vaccine, a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), is given at 11 to 12 years. This vaccine strengthens their continued protection against these serious illnesses, which can have severe consequences.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) (2 doses)
The HPV vaccine guards against certain strains of the human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various cancers. At 11 to 12 years, your child will receive the first dose of the HPV vaccine, followed by a second dose six to twelve months later. By vaccinating your child against HPV, you are taking preventive measures against infections that could potentially cause cancer later in life.
14 to 16 Years
At 14 to 16 years, your child will receive two important vaccines to maintain their health and well-being during their teenage years.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4) (1st dose)
The MCV4 vaccine is administered at 14 to 16 years. It protects against meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. By ensuring your child receives the MCV4 vaccine, you are safeguarding them from these potentially severe illnesses.
HPV (3 doses if not previously vaccinated)
If your child did not receive the HPV vaccine earlier, the ages of 14 to 16 offer another opportunity for vaccination. If they were not previously vaccinated against HPV, they will receive the first dose followed by two additional doses at specified intervals. By providing the full course of HPV vaccination, you are providing protection against the strains of HPV that can lead to cancer.
Ensuring your baby receives the necessary vaccinations at the recommended ages is vital to their health and well-being. By following the vaccination schedule provided by healthcare professionals, you are taking proactive steps to protect your child from infectious diseases and their potential complications. Remember, vaccines are safe, effective, and an essential tool in keeping your baby healthy.