Ensuring the health and safety of a newborn is a top priority for every parent, and one of the most powerful ways to protect your little one is through timely vaccinations.

Vaccines play a crucial role in shielding babies from serious diseases by building their immunity from the start.

Are you a new parent and not sure of the vaccination schedules of your child?

Don’t worry, Mykare Health is here to help you.

In this guide, we will provide details on essential vaccines for your newborn, breaking down the purpose, benefits, and timing of each shot.

From the very first days after birth to the toddler years, this vaccination roadmap will provide clarity on how to keep your baby safe and healthy.

At Birth

1. BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin)

• Protects Against: Tuberculosis (TB)

• Why It’s Needed: Tuberculosis is a severe infection that can impact the lungs and, in infants, can lead to serious complications like TB meningitis.

• What to Expect: Given as an injection, often on the upper arm, the BCG vaccine may cause a small red spot that later turns into a scar. It’s normal for the spot to swell and develop into a small blister before healing over time.

• Side Effects: Mild fever, redness, and soreness at the injection site. A small ulcer may form, which is normal and part of the healing process.

2.Hepatitis B Vaccine

• Protects Against: Hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus

• Why It’s Needed: Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Newborns are particularly vulnerable if exposed during or after birth.

• What to Expect: Given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the thigh.

• Side Effects: Soreness at the injection site, mild fever, and irritability in some cases.

At 6 Weeks

1. Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT, Hepatitis B, and Hib)

• Protects Against: Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

• Why It’s Needed: This combination vaccine protects against multiple serious diseases with a single injection, making it efficient and effective.

• What to Expect: Given as an injection in the thigh, this vaccine helps reduce the number of shots your child needs.

• Side Effects: Mild fever, soreness, and swelling at the injection site.

2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

• Protects Against: Polio

• Why It’s Needed: Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal disease that can cause paralysis and even death.

• What to Expect: This is given orally, so no injections are necessary.

• Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated, with rare cases of mild stomach upset.

3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

• Protects Against: Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections

• Why It’s Needed: Pneumococcal infections are particularly dangerous for infants, leading to severe complications.

• What to Expect: Given as an intramuscular injection in the thigh.

• Side Effects: Mild fever, irritability, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site.

4. Rotavirus Vaccine

• Protects Against: Rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants

• Why It’s Needed: Rotavirus can cause dehydration, hospitalization, and, in severe cases, death in young children.

• What to Expect: Given orally, similar to the polio vaccine.

• Side Effects: Mild irritability, possible mild fever, and rarely, mild diarrhea.

At 10 Weeks

• Second Dose of Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT, Hepatitis B, and Hib)

• Second Dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

• Second Dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

These follow-up doses help reinforce immunity. Repeating these vaccines at specific intervals ensures that your baby’s body continues to develop protection against these diseases.

At 14 Weeks

• Third Dose of Pentavalent Vaccine

• Third Dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

-Third Dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

Final booster doses at this stage help solidify your baby’s immunity against these diseases, providing lasting protection.

6 Months

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

1. Protects Against: Seasonal influenza

2. Why It’s Needed: Babies are vulnerable to complications from the flu, and annual vaccination helps reduce this risk.

3. What to Expect: Given as an injection, with subsequent yearly doses recommended.

4. Side Effects: Mild fever, tenderness at the injection site, and irritability.

9 Months

1. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

• Protects Against: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

• Why It’s Needed: These diseases can lead to complications like brain infections, deafness, and pneumonia.

• What to Expect: Given as an injection, usually in the arm or thigh.

• Side Effects: Mild fever, rash, and soreness at the injection site.

2. Typhoid Vaccine (optional)

• Protects Against: Typhoid fever, a serious bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water and food

• Why It’s Needed: Typhoid is prevalent in many parts of the world and can be severe in young children.

• What to Expect: Given as an injection.

• Side Effects: Swelling at the injection site, mild fever.

12-15 Months

1. Varicella Vaccine

• Protects Against: Chickenpox

• Why It’s Needed: Chickenpox is highly contagious and can cause complications in infants.

• What to Expect: Given as an injection.

• Side Effects: Mild rash, low-grade fever, soreness at the injection site.

2. Hepatitis A Vaccine (first dose)

• Protects Against: Hepatitis A, a viral liver infection

• Why It’s Needed: Hepatitis A can cause liver inflammation, leading to long-term health issues.

• What to Expect: Given as an injection, with a second dose later for full immunity.

• Side Effects: Soreness at the injection site, mild fever.

15-18 Months

1. Booster Dose of DPT

• Protects Against: Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus

2. Second Dose of MMR Vaccine

• Provides: Extended immunity for measles, mumps, and rubella

2 Years and Above

1. Booster for Hepatitis A

2. Typhoid Vaccine Booster (if required)

This chart may vary depending on your location and healthcare provider, so always consult your pediatrician to ensure the schedule is accurate and tailored to your baby’s needs.