Infant Immunization and Newborn Vaccines: Shielding Your Baby from Harm

Wondering which vaccines are given to newborns and infants? Here are some of the recommended vaccines.

Vaccines For Newborns Below 4 Weeks

• Hepatitis B
  The hepatitis B virus can result in persistent liver swelling and cause irreversible lifetime consequences. The baby receives the first of three or four doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine before departing the hospital. It is advised that newborns receive their first dosage within twenty-four hours of birth.

• BCG
  BCG is one of the important vaccines to be given to newborns in India to protect against Tuberculosis (TB). It is highly effective in preventing severe forms of Tuberculosis like TB Meningitis (infection of layers covering the brain) and disseminated TB. It is generally given in the upper part of the left arm, which leaves a permanent mark.

• Birth Dose of Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV)
  The Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) not only safeguards your child from polio but also contributes to the global eradication efforts against the disease. OPV is administered as 2 oral drops. OPV administered for the first time within 24 hours of birth is called the birth dose or 0 dose. This is very important to protect against early infections. The birth dose of OPV helps to create a protective barrier in the intestine to prevent the entry of Poliovirus through the intestine.

Vaccines For Babies Below 6 Months

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine
  The best defense against the three dangerous diseases—whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, and diphtheria—is a 6-in-1 or 5-in-1 vaccine, which provides protection not only against these three diseases but also against other infections like H. Influenza, Hepatitis B, and Polio (only in the 6-in-1 shot). These illnesses pose a danger to anyone, but whooping cough is especially risky for infants.

• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine
  The bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the source of the deadly illness known as Hib disease. Infants younger than five and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to Hib illness. It can be fatal or result in permanent disability.

• Hepatitis B Vaccine
  Liver damage and cancer can result from the contagious and potentially dangerous hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B can become a persistent, lifelong infection in babies. Although there isn’t a treatment for hepatitis B, the strongest defense against it is immunity through vaccination.

• Pneumococcal Vaccine
  Pneumococcal illness can result in infections that could be extremely serious or fatal. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine offers protection against pneumococcal disease-causing bacteria.

• Polio Vaccine
  Poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and induce paralysis, is both disabling and potentially fatal. Children under five are at significant risk of this disease.

Vaccines For Babies Between 6 Months to Below 12 Months Old

• Flu Vaccine
  Babies under one year of age should receive a 0.5 ml dose of the influenza vaccine via intramuscular injection annually, ideally 2 to 4 weeks before the start of the influenza season.

• Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
  All infants aged 6 months and older, as well as children, should receive the Typhoid conjugate vaccine. A single dose is administered between 6 and 9 months of age, and typically, booster doses are not required.

• MMR Vaccine
  The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Babies receive the first dose at 9 months, the second dose at 15 months, and the third dose between 4 and 6 years of age.

• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  The meningococcal vaccine protects against types A, C, W, and Y of meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis and other serious illnesses caused by meningococcal bacteria. For babies under 12 months of age, the vaccine is administered as a two-dose series.

By adhering to the infant immunization schedule and following the newborn vaccination guidelines, parents can ensure their babies are well-protected from preventable diseases. Additionally, it’s helpful to consult newborn parenting tips to make the vaccination process as smooth as possible. Always refer to the LIC (Local Immunization Committee) recommendations for updated vaccination schedules and guidelines to safeguard your child’s health.