Introduction

Your baby might panic and be anxious during vaccination, and this might weaken your resolve. However, vaccination is necessary, and all moms should take this step as they try to do the best for their babies. Getting your newborn vaccinated might be a chore, but it is always for the better. Vaccines protect the newborn from diseases, ranging from the common flu to severe ones like hepatitis. Regardless of your beliefs, immunization is a must for every baby, mainly before the child starts school.

This guide will give you information on the vaccines your newborn needs and when your baby needs to get them.

The following is a comprehensive list of vaccines for your newborn:

Hepatitis B:

• Why: It is a disease that affects the liver and can cause cancer in the long run. Usually, it is transmitted through infected mothers. 90% of the babies affected by this sickness die of liver failure.
• When: The first dose is given before your baby leaves the hospital and the next two doses are one and six months later.
• Side effects: Soreness and fever.

Rotavirus:

• Why: This is the leading cause of all kinds of diarrhea and vomiting in children. It also leads to dehydration and loss of appetite in babies.
• When: There are two chains of this vaccine - one with two doses and one with three at the age of 2, 4, and 6 months, respectively.
• Side effects: Bowel intussusception is a side effect, but the positive effects outweigh this very small risk.

Diphtheria or Tetanus - Pertussis (DTaP):

• Why: This is a combination vaccine that protects against very serious illnesses. These include diphtheria, where the baby can experience breathing problems with heart failure, paralysis, and death as possible results. Tetanus is also a disease included in this immunization schedule. It causes muscle spasms and may break the baby’s spine. Pertussis or whooping cough can lead to a prolonged, extended cough that causes many babies to experience breathing problems.
• When: It is administered in five doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and then at 15 months and 18 months. There are further doses at the age of 4 and 6.
• Side effects: Vomiting, fever, lack of appetite for a few days, and dizziness.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B:

• Why: This bacterial infection is responsible for meningitis. It is also a leading cause of pneumonia and septic arthritis and can cause deafness and death.
• When: Administered at 2 months and then at 4 and 6 months and repeated at 12 to 15 months of age.
• Side effects: Soreness and fever.

Pneumococcal Disease:

• Why: The different strains of the pneumococcal bacteria can cause blood infections, pneumonia, and pneumonitis meningitis.
• When: 2, 4, and 6 months and then at 12 months.
• Side effects: Drowsiness and fever.

Polio:

• Why: Before 1955, in the USA, polio had been a cause of worry for several moms as once infected, the newborn would develop muscle paralysis and maybe even die.
• When: 2, 4, and 6 months of age and then at 6 to 18 months and after that within 4 to 6 years of age.
• Side effects: Soreness.

MMRV:

• Why: Protects against measles, mumps, and varicella, or chickenpox, which can lead to encephalitis and eventually death.
• When: 12 to 15 months and then within 4 to 6 years.
• Side effects: Fever, swollen glands, mild rash.

Hepatitis A:

• Why: Protects from jaundice and diarrhea.
• When: Within 2 years of age and then 6 months later.
• Side effects: Soreness and headache.

Flu:

• Why: Protects from the common flu virus.
• When: Once every year, starting at 6 months.
• Side effects: Mild fever

Conclusion

Moms need to be vigilant and protect their newborns from dangerous diseases, which a few crucial jabs can prevent. It is always better to take precautions than face severe problems later.