Olivia Barredo
May 4, 2023

Babies can get vaccinations as early as within 24 hours of their birth, and you may be wondering–why vaccinate babies as early as that? Vaccines provide babies protection from diseases as their immune systems are still in their infancy and cannot withstand illnesses at a young age. Vaccinations for babies are vital–the risk of diseases are fatal to infants and young children, so it is of great importance to make sure that your little one is vaccinated and marked safe. As children grow, they will have had several vaccination shots where they can become immune or at least have minimal risk of contracting several diseases by the time they get to start school. 

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines work by introducing pathogens into the body either by injecting a whole but harmless version of it, or by introducing just parts of these pathogens into the body of the child. The introduction of the vaccine in the body stimulates the production of antibodies–the proteins that fight diseases and other foreign materials. 

We know parts of the pathogen that cause the formation of antibodies as antigens. As a response to the antigen, the immune system will generate antibodies as if the actual active pathogen or disease was in the body. This helps the immune system grow stronger against this specific pathogen, and so if the child were to ever be exposed to the pathogen or disease, the body will already know what to do and counteract the disease.

What to expect when getting a vaccine?

However, vaccines can have a myriad of side effects that, for the most part, are minor, but should be noted so that the proper care and attention can be provided to your child. Additionally, you have to keep in mind that side effects vary depending on what type of vaccine is being ingested, which is why more often than not, the child will need to be monitored for a time after taking the vaccine. 

The possible reactions to a vaccine are pain, redness, itchiness, swelling, fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, warmth, nasal congestion, and wheezing. These reactions, while irritating, will go away in a matter of hours or a few days. What you really need to look out for are more serious reactions such as seizures, high fever, possibility of faint, allergic reactions, or serious injury. If not handled correctly or promptly, the risk of such effects can be fatal so it is highly advised that you consult with your doctor and await instructions on how you may proceed during and after the vaccination.

Important vaccines for newborns and when they should be taken:

• Hepatitis B Vaccine - The vaccine is given within 24 hours after birth, as it helps protect them from long-term hepatitis B infections. There will be two subsequent vaccinations following this in the coming months as well. The vaccine eliminates the risks right away so that babies do not risk being in close contact with people who do have the disease.  

• BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) - they typically give the vaccine about 28 days after birth. This vaccine prevents the baby from getting tuberculosis (TB).

• DTaP Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis) - This is a vaccine that can take its first shot when the child is 2 months old all the way to their 5th and last which can be taken when they are 10-11 years old. This is a combo vaccine that can fight against three diseases which are: Diphtheria (swells throat), tetanus (tightens muscles), and acellular pertussis (whooping cough).

• Hib Vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type B) - The vaccine can also be administered at around 2 months old and it protects them from several types of illnesses which can affect the brain & spinal cord, ear infections, lung infections, and swelling in the throat. The child would also need 3 or 4 doses, administered at different times.

• Polio Vaccine - The polio vaccine can be administered two months of age and it prevents paralysis and even death. The child needs 4 shots total throughout the months.

• Pneumococcal Vaccine - they can administer This vaccine 2 months after birth, protecting the baby from meningitis in the brain, sepsis in the bloodstream, and some ear infections. The vaccine needs to be administered in a total of four times spread throughout several months.

• RV Vaccine (Rotavirus) - This is a vaccine that is taken in 2 months as well and it mainly protects children from the main cause of diarrhea. It can also protect them from vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Needs to be taken in 2 or 3 doses.

• Influenza Vaccine (Flu) - The recommended time to get the vaccine is around 6 months and they may need to get a total of two doses, but doctors also recommend that a child gets a shot every year because flu virus changes every year. The vaccine protects children from high fever, severe coughing, muscle pains, runny nose, among other things. 

• COVID-19 Vaccine (Coronavirus) - The baby can get the COVID-19 vaccine when they become 6 months old, and it protects them against severe ailments such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, bleeding disorder, several internal injuries, inflammatory system, and even death. 

• MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - This is a combo vaccine that fights against measles (fever, runny nose, pink eye, etc.), mumps (swollen salivary glands, headaches, fatigue, etc.), and rubella (rash, swollen lymph nodes, birth defects or miscarriage later in life if they get pregnant). The vaccine usually needs to be taken two times and can be first administered when they are up to 12 months old.

• Varicella Vaccine - This prevents the child from getting chickenpox and, in more serious cases, pneumonia and encephalitis. The first dose can be taken when the child is 12 months old and will get one more dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years old.

• Hepatitis A Vaccine - The vaccine prevents the baby from contracting hepatitis A, a serious liver disease. The first shot can be taken when they become 12 months old and get one more shot 6 months later.

With that, we conclude the introduction on vaccinations and why you should vaccinate your babies as soon as possible. The list can help you figure out what vaccines your baby will need to take and when they can be administered. However, we would like to stress that when you are planning to vaccinate your child or need other medical inquiries regarding your child, we highly recommend you consult a doctor. They will be able to give you a more detailed and sufficient plan on how you are able to vaccinate your child, as well as tell you of the special conditions of how your child should take a vaccine if there is ever a need for it.