A Newborn's Vaccination – Why Is It Important?

Baby

oi-Staff

By Super

Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 11:52

Once your baby is born, she spends the first few days familiarising herself with the new surroundings. She accustoms herself to the bright lights, colours, smells and faces. She also has build her immunity to fight against various diseases and illness.

For everything she needs your help. An important thing that all parents have to know is to provide the most hygienic environment for your baby to live in. Whatever you do to protect her from outside, helping her build a strong immune system is the best way to protect her. A newborn's vaccination is an essential and inevitable part of her growth. Know more about the vaccination's importance in your baby's life.

Newborn Vaccination And It's Importance

A vaccination is a shot that provides immunisation from the life-threatening diseases. They are given to the newborn right from the first week of their birth. Some of the vaccinations have been made compulsory under the National Immunization Schedule.

Newborn Vaccination Schedule

First Week: (Within the 2nd or 3rd day)

Polio Vaccine: This is given orally. It helps in fighting polio, a dangerous disease that can cripple your child for life.
BCG & Hepatitis B: These vaccines are given in the form of injections. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) helps keep away the danger of tuberculosis, while Hepatitis B helps in fighting the deadly hepatitis B virus.

One Month:

Hepatitis B: The second dose of this newborn vaccination is administered at this age.

Two Months:

DTP or Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus: This is a shot given to newborns to prevent Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is also given along with this shot.

This vaccination may cause pain and discomfort to the baby, which may also result in fever. However, this is normal and there is nothing to fear.

Hib or Haemophilus influenzae type B: This is a vaccine given to prevent fight the Haemophilus influenzae, which is responsible for various diseases.

Hepatitis B: If this vaccine is missed during the second month it can be given at this stage too.

PCV or Pneumococcal Conjugate: This vaccine protect small children from the disease causing bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae.

IPV or Inactivated Polio: This also given to protect children from polio.

Four Months:

The four main vaccinations that are given at this age are DTP, Hib, PCV and IPV.

Six Months:

The three main vaccinations that are administered at this age are DTP, Hib and PCV.

Between 12 and 15 months:

The main shots that are given to the babies at this age are Hib, PCV and MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)

Between 15 and 18 months:

One dose of DTP is given at this stage. The Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine is administered at this age.

The second dose of Hepatitis B can be given anytime between 6 and 18 months. Even IPV vaccine can be given at this age.

Remember to follow this newborn vaccination schedule to protect your baby from major diseases. A few vaccines might cause a little discomfort to your baby, but it is normal. Follow these baby care tips to keep your baby healthy.