All you need to know about baby vaccinations

Vaccines are an important part of your baby’s growth since they help protect your child from various illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis. Parents often get overwhelmed about the baby vaccinations and get worried about when to take shots and which ones are absolutely necessary. Read on to get some insights on baby vaccine schedule.

Vaccine Schedule for Babies

You can get a clear schedule from the doctor regarding the vaccinations so that you don’t miss out on any shots. These will include Hepatitis B, Hib, Polio, Rotavirus, Influenza, Measles, HPV, Meningococcal and Hepatitis A. You can get the schedule on the internet by entering your baby’s birth date and take a print out of the baby vaccination chart so that you don’t miss out on any important dates of vaccinations.

Vaccines for Babies

When your baby is in the womb, it is in a sterile environment and is protected with the mother’s immune system. Once the baby is born, he becomes susceptible to various bacteria and therefore, it is important to help them build an immune system to fight the bacteria. During the first and second year of a child’s life, he is exposed to 11 or 12 vaccines, some of which are given in multiple doses over a period of two years.

The Hib Vaccine

This vaccine is given to protect babies from Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (Hib) disease that is most common in children under the age of 5. It usually affects babies that are 4 to 12 months old. It is one of babies’ first vaccines and is given at intervals of 2, 4 and 6 months. It is also repeated at 12-15 months.

Which vaccinations are compulsory and why?

After the birth of your baby, you will be surrounded by information about vaccines and it might leave you really confused as to which vaccinations are a must. The best way to understand this is to consult your doctor and prepare a baby vaccination chart for your baby. Depending on the birth and any complications at the time, doctors will advise you about the vaccinations. Sometimes, the doses are also dependent on the brand of medicine used by doctors. You must also be aware of the possible side effects of vaccines in babies so that you can be prepared for fever or cold and cough to your baby.

Vaccination is one of the most important responsibility of a parent and it must be fulfilled with proper care and attention to ensure a long and healthy life of your baby