Vaccines are essential for newborns because they protect them against a range of diseases throughout their entire lives. Newborns are babies up to 28 days postpartum, and because their immune systems are still maturing at birth, they are more vulnerable to infections and potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines protect the health of your newborn by assisting the immune system in its battle against many bacteria and viruses that cause such diseases.
In this article, we will discuss the different vaccines administered to newborns and the number of doses. We will also explore the significance of adhering to the Newborn Vaccine Schedule, which ensures timely and effective protection for your baby.
Why Vaccinations For Newborns Are Essential?
The immune system of a child gradually develops over time. However, a newborn’s immune system is underdeveloped at the time of birth, thus significantly increasing the risks of contracting diseases. The vaccination given at birth helps aid the newborn in combating several life-threatening diseases, along with strengthening the immune system.
The following are the newborn vaccines administered:
Hepatitis B vaccine
The hepatitis B virus can cause irreparable lifetime repercussions, chronic liver swelling leading to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. There is no cure for Hepatitis B. The common mode of hepatitis B infection is transmission from mother to babies at birth, hence newborns should get their first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
If the mother is positive for hepatitis B, the baby should receive the vaccine within 12 hours of birth and additionally, Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) should be given to protect the baby immediately.
Doses And Timings Of Hepatitis B Vaccine
- First dose: Within 24 hours of birth. Additionally, 2 or 3 doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine are generally given with vaccines starting from 6 weeks of age.
- Second dose: 6 weeks of age.
- Third dose: 10 weeks of age.
- Fourth dose: 14 weeks of age.
BCG Vaccine
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body like the brain (meninges), kidneys, and spine causing severe complications.
Considering the high burden of TB in India, the BCG vaccine is given to protect children against severe forms of TB infections like meningitis and disseminated tuberculosis. Although, it may not be very effective in preventing lung TB. Once administered on the left upper arm, it results in ulcer formation after some days which heals by often leaving a permanent mark.
Doses And Timings Of BCG Vaccine
This is a single-dose vaccine.
Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV)
Polio is caused by a virus that affects nerves resulting in paralysis. The virus transmits from person to person by consuming virus-contaminated water and food. Oral polio vaccine is given as drops to create protection at the intestinal level, the primary site of poliovirus multiplication. The oral polio vaccine given at birth is also called zero dose. The oral polio vaccination campaign was one of the largest mass vaccinations in India which has successfully eliminated polio from India.
What Is A Vaccination Schedule And Why Is It Important?
Why Following A Newborn Vaccine Schedule Is Crucial?
Adhering to the infant vaccine schedule provides the following advantages:
- Vaccination schedules safeguard your baby by aligning with their developing immune system. Tailored timing ensures timely protection against harmful diseases.
- The vaccination given at birth prevents the development of any future health complications, thus ensuring a healthy life for your newborn.
- Unvaccinated newborns not only run the danger of contracting diseases, but they also pose a risk of infecting unprotected others, such as those with compromised immune systems.
The Bottom Line
The immune system of newborns is not fully developed at the time of birth. Vaccinations give babies the defence they need and fortify their immune systems, preparing them to fight off diseases if they come into touch with them in the future. Following your newborn’s vaccination schedule will protect them from several potentially fatal illnesses and reassure you as parents that you are doing what is best for their health.
Sometimes children have mild reactions from vaccines. However, the side effects of vaccination are normal and generally go away on their own. In case your newborn is experiencing fever give a cool sponge bath. Consult your healthcare provider before giving a non-aspirin pain reliever to your child
The BCG vaccine offers protection against tuberculosis. Potential side effects of this vaccine can include symptoms such as headaches, enlarged glands under the armpit on the arm that received the shot, or discomfort or discharge where the injection was administered.
You need to pay extra attention after your baby receives the newborn vaccine shots. It is typical for some babies to eat less during the 24 hours following vaccinations. Read the Vaccine Information Sheet(s) your baby’s doctor provided you to learn about potential side effects. Swaddle your baby to give some comfort and offer breastmilk or formula more frequently.
Every child in India below the age of five must be given oral polio drops during polio vaccination camps irrespective of previous vaccinations.
References:
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/COMBINED-VIS.pdf
- https://www.indianpediatrics.net/nov2001/nov-1335-1338.htm
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/POLIO-VACCINES.pdf
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979583/
- https://www.unicef.org/india/know-your-childs-immunization-schedule
- https://www.indianpediatrics.net/august2000/august-906.htm
