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Early childhood immunizations are an important safe-guard against serious illnesses for
your baby. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), The American Academy of
Family Physicians (AAFP), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
recommend that children be immunized against eleven different diseases during the first
two years. While it may be difficult to hear baby cry when she gets a shot, remember
the pain only lasts seconds but the benefits will last a lifetime.
Here is a brief rundown of each of the vaccines your baby needs:
Hepatitis B vaccine
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Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that’s caused by a virus and can result
in liver damage or failure. Some babies can develop Hepatitis B if their mothers are
infected with it before or during pregnancy. If mom tests positive for Hepatitis B
or her status is unknown, baby may be given the vaccine in the hospital right after
birth. If baby doesn’t receive the vaccine in the hospital, this vaccination
should be given within the first 2 months. Two additional doses also are recommended
within baby’s first 18 months. (Some versions of this vaccine contain mercury and
the first dose should be given at 6 months.) Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
(DTaP) vaccine
This vaccine protects against three diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
or whooping cough:
Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that produce
toxins which inflame the nervous system and heart and can result in heart failure and
paralysis.
Tetanus results from bacteria that grow in wounds and that produce a toxin
which affects the nervous system and causes muscle spasms and paralysis, especially in the
jaw area. It’s also called lockjaw.
Pertussis or whooping cough, another infectious disease caused by bacteria,
is especially dangerous for babies under the age of 1. Its most well-known symptom is a
debilitating racking cough. Continue »
*Note: In selected states and/or regions, a vaccine
for Hepatitis A, a different strain of the hepatitis virus, is recommended by the American
Academy of Pediatrics between the ages of 24 months and 18 years. These states and/or regions
have a high prevalence of Hepatitis A. Consult your baby's doctor or your local public health
authority to see if your area is one in which the vaccine is recommended.
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