Baby Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide to Infant Immunizations

Vaccines are one of the most important ways to protect your baby from serious diseases. This comprehensive guide covers the recommended vaccination schedule, what each vaccine protects against, potential side effects, and how to prepare for your baby's shots.

Why Vaccinate Your Baby?

Protection Against Serious Diseases

Vaccines Prevent:

• Life-threatening diseases
• Serious complications
• Disabilities
• Hospitalization
• Transmission to others

Diseases Once Common, Now Rare:

• Polio (caused paralysis)
• Measles (caused brain damage, death)
• Whooping cough (life-threatening in infants)
• Diphtheria (killed 1 in 10 infected)
• Tetanus (lockjaw, often fatal)

Why? Vaccination!

How Vaccines Work

Training the Immune System:

1. Vaccine introduces weakened/inactive germ or piece of it
2. Immune system learns to recognize it
3. Creates antibodies
4. Memory cells remember the germ
5. If exposed to real disease later, body fights it off quickly

Like a Fire Drill:

• Practice fighting disease without actual danger
• Body knows what to do when real threat appears

Safety

Vaccines Are:

• Extensively tested before approval
• Continuously monitored for safety
• Given to millions of babies safely
• Much safer than the diseases they prevent

Serious Side Effects:

• Extremely rare
• Benefits far outweigh minimal risks
• Carefully studied and tracked

CDC Recommended Vaccination Schedule

Birth

Hepatitis B (Hep B) - Dose 1

Protects Against:

• Hepatitis B virus
• Liver infection
• Liver cancer later in life

Why at Birth:

• Can be infected during birth if mother has Hep B
• Early protection is critical
• Babies infected at birth have 90% chance of chronic infection

What to Expect:

• Given in hospital before discharge
• Injection in thigh
• Minimal side effects

2 Months

Multiple Vaccines at This Visit:

1. DTaP - Dose 1

• Diphtheria (throat infection that can block airway)
• Tetanus (lockjaw, muscle spasms, death)
• aP Pertussis (whooping cough, especially dangerous for infants)

2. Hib - Dose 1

• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis
• Before vaccine: leading cause of bacterial meningitis

3. IPV - Dose 1

• Inactivated Polio Vaccine
• Polio (paralysis, death)
• US polio-free since 1979 thanks to vaccines!

4. PCV13 - Dose 1

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
• 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria
• Pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections

5. RV - Dose 1

• Rotavirus (oral vaccine, not injection!)
• Severe diarrhea and dehydration
• Before vaccine: 400,000+ ER visits/year in US

6. Hepatitis B - Dose 2 (if not given at 1 month)

Total: 6 vaccines (5 shots + 1 oral)

4 Months

Same Vaccines as 2 Months (Dose 2):

• DTaP - Dose 2
• Hib - Dose 2
• IPV - Dose 2
• PCV13 - Dose 2
• RV - Dose 2

Total: 5 vaccines (4 shots + 1 oral)

6 Months

Continuing the Series:

• DTaP - Dose 3
• Hib - Dose 3 (depending on brand, may be dose 2 or 3)
• IPV - Dose 3 (given between 6-18 months)
• PCV13 - Dose 3
• RV - Dose 3 (depending on brand)
• Hepatitis B - Dose 3 (given between 6-18 months)

Seasonal:

• Influenza (Flu Vaccine) - First dose (yearly from now on)
  • 2 doses first year (4 weeks apart)
  • 1 dose every year after

Total: Up to 7 vaccines

9 Months

May Include:

• Flu vaccine (dose 2 if first year getting flu shot)
• Catch-up vaccines if behind

12 Months

New Vaccines:

1. MMR - Dose 1

• Measles (rash, fever, pneumonia, brain damage)
• Mumps (swollen glands, meningitis, deafness)
• Rubella (German measles, birth defects if pregnant)

2. Varicella - Dose 1

• Chickenpox
• Rash, fever, pneumonia, brain inflammation
• Before vaccine: 100+ deaths/year in US

3. Hepatitis A - Dose 1

• Liver infection
• Spread through contaminated food/water

4. PCV13 - Dose 4 (booster)

May Also Get:

• Hib - Dose 4 (booster)
• Flu vaccine (annual)

Total: Up to 6 vaccines

15 Months

Continuing:

• DTaP - Dose 4

May Include:

• Hib - Dose 4 (if not given at 12 months)

18 Months

Completing Series:

• Hepatitis A - Dose 2

May Include:

• DTaP - Dose 4 (if not given at 15 months)
• IPV - Dose 3 (if not given earlier)
• Hepatitis B - Dose 3 (if not given earlier)

12-18 Month Summary

By 18 months, baby should have:

• DTaP: 4 doses
• IPV: 3 doses
• Hib: 3-4 doses
• PCV13: 4 doses
• MMR: 1 dose
• Varicella: 1 dose
• Hepatitis A: 2 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Rotavirus: 2-3 doses (completed by 8 months)
• Flu: Annual

Vaccine Details

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

What It Prevents:

Diphtheria:

• Thick coating in throat
• Breathing difficulty
• Heart failure
• Paralysis
• Death (1 in 10)

Tetanus (Lockjaw):

• Painful muscle stiffening
• Difficulty swallowing/breathing
• Death (1-2 in 10)
• Caused by bacteria in soil/dirt entering cuts

Pertussis (Whooping Cough):

• Severe coughing fits
• Difficulty breathing, eating, sleeping
• Pneumonia, seizures, brain damage
• Death (especially infants under 6 months)
• Very contagious!

Common Side Effects:

• Soreness, redness, swelling at injection site
• Fever
• Fussiness
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Rare:

• High fever (105°F)
• Continuous crying (3+ hours)
• Seizure (very rare, full recovery)

IPV (Polio)

What It Prevents:

• Polio virus
• Flu-like symptoms initially
• Can progress to paralysis
• Lifelong disability or death
• No cure, only prevention

Why Still Vaccinate:

• Polio exists in other countries
• Travel risk
• One case could restart outbreak
• Working toward global eradication

Side Effects:

• Soreness at injection site
• Rarely: fever

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)

What It Prevents:

• Meningitis (brain/spinal cord infection)
• Pneumonia
• Epiglottitis (throat swelling, airway blockage)
• Blood infection
• Joint infection

Before Vaccine:

• Leading cause bacterial meningitis in children
• 20,000 cases/year in US
• 1 in 20 children with meningitis died
• Many survivors had permanent brain damage

After Vaccine:

• 99% reduction in cases!

Side Effects:

• Redness, swelling at injection site
• Fever
• Fussiness

PCV13 (Pneumococcal)

What It Prevents:

• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Blood infections
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections

Caused By:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
• 13 most common types

Why Important:

• Young children especially vulnerable
• Can be life-threatening
• Antibiotic resistance increasing

Side Effects:

• Injection site reactions
• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Irritability
• Increased sleep

Rotavirus (RV)

What It Prevents:

• Rotavirus (stomach virus)
• Severe diarrhea and vomiting
• Severe dehydration
• Before vaccine: almost all children infected by age 5

Special Notes:

• Oral vaccine (drops in mouth, not shot!)
• Sweet taste, babies usually tolerate well
• Must complete series by 8 months max

Side Effects:

• Usually none
• Mild diarrhea or vomiting
• Irritability

Very Rare:

• Intussusception (bowel blockage) - 1 in 100,000
• Risk greatest 7 days after first dose
• Symptoms: severe crying, vomiting, blood in stool, weakness
• Seek immediate care if these occur

Hepatitis B

What It Prevents:

• Liver infection
• Chronic liver disease
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure
• Death

How It Spreads:

• Contact with infected blood or body fluids
• Can pass from mother to baby at birth
• Sharing toothbrushes, razors
• Later: sexual contact, needle sharing

Why Vaccinate Babies:

• 90% of infected infants become chronic carriers
• High risk of liver disease/cancer later
• Early protection critical

Side Effects:

• Soreness at injection site
• Mild fever

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

What It Prevents:

Measles:

• Highly contagious (90% exposed get infected)
• High fever, rash, cough
• Pneumonia, brain swelling, death
• 1-2 in 1,000 die

Mumps:

• Swollen salivary glands
• Meningitis
• Deafness
• Testicular inflammation (can cause infertility)

Rubella (German Measles):

• Mild in children
• Devastating to unborn babies
• Birth defects (heart, eyes, ears, brain)

Side Effects:

• Soreness at injection site
• Fever (1-2 weeks after, not immediately)
• Mild rash
• Swelling of glands in cheeks/neck

Rare:

• Temporary joint pain/stiffness
• Febrile seizure (fever-related, full recovery)

Varicella (Chickenpox)

What It Prevents:

• Chickenpox virus
• Itchy rash with blisters
• Fever
• Complications: skin infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation
• Death (before vaccine: 100+ deaths/year)

Why Vaccinate:

• Prevents disease
• Reduces severity if breakthrough infection occurs
• Prevents shingles later in life
• Protects those who can't be vaccinated

Side Effects:

• Soreness, redness at injection site
• Mild rash (2-3 weeks later)
• Fever

Hepatitis A

What It Prevents:

• Liver infection
• Fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Can last weeks to months

How It Spreads:

• Contaminated food or water
• Close contact with infected person
• Poor hand hygiene

Side Effects:

• Injection site soreness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Influenza (Flu)

What It Prevents:

• Seasonal flu viruses
• Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Pneumonia, hospitalization, death

Why Annual:

• Flu viruses change every year
• Immunity wanes over time
• New vaccine each year targets predicted strains

When to Get:

• Fall (September-October ideal)
• Before flu season peaks

First Year:

• Two doses (4 weeks apart)
• After that: one dose yearly

Side Effects:

• Soreness at injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Mild aches

Preparing for Vaccine Appointments

Before the Appointment

Bring:

• Immunization record card
• Insurance card
• Questions written down
• Comfort item for baby

Ask Doctor:

• Which vaccines today?
• Expected side effects?
• When to call if concerned?
• Next vaccine schedule?

Don't:

• Give fever medicine before shots (can reduce immune response)
• Skip vaccines due to minor cold (usually OK to vaccinate)

During the Appointment

For Baby's Comfort:

• Hold and comfort baby
• Breastfeed during or immediately after (proven to reduce pain!)
• Distract with toy or singing
• Stay calm (baby senses your stress)

Combination Vaccines:

• Some vaccines combined into one shot
• Fewer injections, same protection
• Ask if available

After Vaccines

Immediate (At Doctor's Office):

• Wait 15 minutes before leaving
• Watch for allergic reaction (very rare)

At Home - First 24 Hours:

Normal Reactions:

• Fussiness, crying
• Redness, swelling at injection site
• Low-grade fever (under 101°F)
• Decreased appetite
• Extra sleep

Comfort Measures:

• Cuddle and comfort
• Breastfeed frequently
• Cool cloth on injection site
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen if fever/discomfort (ask doctor for dosing)
• Don't massage injection site
• Offer extra fluids

When to Call Doctor:

• High fever (over 105°F)
• Fever lasting more than 24-48 hours
• Severe injection site reaction (large swelling, very red)
• Inconsolable crying for 3+ hours
• Seizure
• Severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat)
• Your baby seems very ill

Call 911 If:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of face or throat
• Severe allergic reaction
• Unresponsive

Tracking with Kuddle

Log:

• Which vaccines given
• Date of administration
• Any side effects
• When fever-reducer given
• Baby's reaction

Helpful For:

• Tracking what's been given
• Planning next appointments
• Sharing with daycare
• School enrollment later
• Travel requirements

Vaccine Safety & Common Concerns

Are Vaccines Safe?

Yes! Here's Why:

Before Approval:

• Years of testing
• Large clinical trials
• FDA review
• Independent expert review

After Approval:

• Continuous monitoring
• VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System)
• VSD (Vaccine Safety Datalink)
• CDC and FDA ongoing surveillance

Track Record:

• Billions of doses given safely
• Rigorous safety standards
• Benefits far outweigh minimal risks

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: Vaccines cause autism Fact: No link between vaccines and autism. This myth based on fraudulent study that was retracted. Dozens of studies with millions of children found no connection.

Myth: Too many vaccines overwhelm immune system Fact: Babies' immune systems handle thousands of germs daily. Vaccine antigens are tiny fraction of what they encounter. Today's vaccines contain fewer antigens than past despite protecting against more diseases.

Myth: Natural immunity is better Fact: Vaccine immunity without the risks of serious disease, complications, or death. Why risk your baby's life?

Myth: Vaccine-preventable diseases are gone Fact: Still exist, especially globally. Unvaccinated can contract and spread. Recent outbreaks (measles, whooping cough) in undervaccinated communities.

Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients Fact: All ingredients serve specific purposes and are safe in amounts used. Aluminum (strengthens immune response), formaldehyde (inactivates toxins, tiny amount), thimerosal (preservative in multi-dose vials, not in most childhood vaccines, safe form of mercury).

Religious & Personal Exemptions

Medical Exemptions:

• Severe allergic reaction to previous dose
• Severe allergy to vaccine component
• Compromised immune system
• Discuss with doctor

Non-Medical:

• Varies by state
• May affect school enrollment
• Puts child and community at risk
• Consult doctor about concerns

Special Situations

Premature Babies

Timing:

• Vaccinate on chronological age, not adjusted age
• Exception: Hepatitis B (may wait until 2kg if very premature)
• Full doses (not reduced)
• Extra protection important (more vulnerable)

Immunocompromised

Considerations:

• Some vaccines contraindicated
• Others extra important
• Work closely with specialists
• Household members should be vaccinated (protect baby)

Allergies

Egg Allergy:

• Most vaccines OK even with egg allergy
• Discuss with doctor

Previous Reaction:

• Severe allergy to vaccine component = contraindication
• Mild reactions (fussiness, low fever) = still safe to vaccinate

Sick Baby

Minor Illness (Cold, Low Fever):

• Usually OK to vaccinate
• Ask doctor

Moderate to Severe Illness:

• Postpone until recovered
• Don't want to confuse illness symptoms with vaccine reaction

Why Vaccination Matters

Individual Protection

Your Baby:

• Protected from deadly diseases
• Avoids serious complications
• Prevents lifelong disabilities
• Safe, effective protection

Community Protection (Herd Immunity)

When Enough People Vaccinated:

• Disease can't spread easily
• Protects those who can't be vaccinated:
  • Babies too young
  • People with cancer
  • Immunocompromised
  • People with severe allergies

Breaking the Chain:

• Each vaccinated person stops transmission
• Protects vulnerable community members
• Can eliminate diseases (like we did with polio in US!)

Global Impact

Vaccination Success Stories:

• Smallpox: Eradicated globally (1980)
• Polio: Eliminated from Americas (1994), nearly eradicated globally
• Measles: 73% decrease in deaths globally (2000-2018)

Work Continues:

• Protect these gains
• Achieve global eradication
• Prevent outbreaks
• Save lives

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

About Vaccines:

1. Which vaccines will my baby get today?
2. What diseases do they protect against?
3. What are the common side effects?
4. When should I call you about a reaction?
5. What's the schedule for upcoming vaccines?

About Your Baby:

1. Is my baby up to date on vaccinations?
2. Are there any reasons to delay or avoid certain vaccines?
3. How do I manage fever or pain after vaccines?
4. When is the next vaccine appointment?

About Safety:

1. How do you monitor vaccine safety?
2. What should I do if I think my baby had a reaction?
3. Are there any risks for my baby specifically?

Remember

Vaccines Save Lives

• Protect your baby
• Protect your community
• Prevent suffering
• Proven safe and effective

Your Choice Matters

• By vaccinating, you protect not just your baby
• You help protect babies too young to vaccinate
• You help protect immunocompromised children
• You're part of public health success

Don't Delay

• Babies most vulnerable when young
• On-time vaccination is crucial
• Delays leave baby unprotected
• Stick to the schedule

Questions Are Welcome

• No question is silly
• Doctors want to address concerns
• Better to ask than worry
• Make informed decision with accurate information

---

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about infant vaccinations. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized medical advice regarding your baby's vaccination schedule. Vaccine schedules may vary slightly based on specific vaccine brands and your baby's individual health needs. In emergencies, call 911. This information does not replace professional medical care.