Vaccinations for your baby in the first year

It might be confusing for first-time parents to know the vaccination schedule. Here is a summary of how the first year of immunization will look for the baby.

• At two months mark your baby will get the following vaccines:

• • Six in-one vaccines will give protection against Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Whooping Cough (Pertussis), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
  • Rotavirus vaccine to protect against diarrhea and vomiting caused by infection by stomach bugs.
  • The meningococcal group B vaccine protects against meningitis and sepsis that causes infections in the brain.

• At three months mark your baby will get the following vaccines:

• • • They are again given the second dose of the six-in-one vaccine. 
    • A pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia. 
    • They will also receive the second dose of the rotavirus vaccine.

• Four months mark your baby will get the following vaccines:

• • • This time they will get the third and the final dose of the six-in-one vaccine. 
    • They will also receive the second dose of the Meningococcal group B vaccine.

• Twelve months mark your baby will get the following vaccines:

• • Your baby will get protection against measles, mumps, and rubella with the first dose of the MMR vaccine.
  • Your baby will get the single-shot Hib/meningococcal group C vaccine to protect against Meningitis C and Hib infections.
  • They will also receive the second and final dose of the Pneumococcal vaccine.
  • They will also receive the third and final dose of the Meningococcal group B vaccine.

Common side effects of immunization among babies

• Swelling and redness around the area of injection.
• The baby will also experience some pain which can be accompanied by mild fever.
• The baby might remain irritable and lose appetite for some time. 

You can ease your baby’s discomfort and fever with a recommended dose of infant paracetamol. Make sure to give them enough care and attention after the vaccination to look for any allergic reactions. Make sure to give them cuddles and affection during the time.

References:

• A guide to immunisations up to 13 months of age: https://www.swft.nhs.uk/application/files/2514/6055/8761/a_guide_to_immunisations_up_to_13_months_of_age.pdf
• Baby vaccination schedule for their first year: https://www.aptaclub.co.uk/baby/health-and-wellbeing/vaccination-and-immunisation/immunisation-schedule.html
• NHS vaccinations and when to have them: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
• Immunization Schedule:  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immunization-chart.html