Why Baby Vaccinations Matter: Key Schedule for New Parents

Hello, I’m Dr. Mehta, and as a paediatrician, I want to talk about something close to my heart—vaccinations for your baby. These tiny but powerful steps are some of the best ways to protect your little one from serious and life-threatening illnesses like polio, diphtheria and whooping cough.

From the moment your baby is born, vaccines work like tiny shields, helping their immune system fight off dangerous diseases. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference!

I understand that as new parents, navigating the vaccination schedule can feel a bit confusing. But remember, every shot is a step toward giving your baby the strongest start in life. Together, we’ll ensure your baby is protected at the right time as they grow.

So, let’s walk through the key vaccines, when your baby will need them, and how they keep your little one safe and thriving.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

Vaccinations are timed perfectly to match your baby’s developing immune system, offering protection at just the right age. Based on years of medical research, the schedule starts early—beginning at birth—and continues at 2, 4, and 6 months to build strong, layered immunity.

Each dose is an important step in keeping your little one safe. Missing even one can leave gaps in their protection, making them more vulnerable. By staying on track with vaccinations, you’re ensuring your baby has consistent and reliable defence against serious illnesses.

Vaccines Administered at Birth

I always suggest that Vaccines administered at birth are crucial for safeguarding newborns against serious diseases. The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically the first, recommended within 24 hours of birth to protect against liver infection. Additionally, the BCG vaccine is administered to prevent tuberculosis, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent. These early vaccinations lay the foundation for a child's immune system, helping to prevent outbreaks of diseases that once caused significant illness and mortality in children.

The 2-Month Vaccination Milestone

At 2 months, your baby begins receiving key vaccines that protect against serious illnesses like whooping cough, polio, and pneumococcal disease. These vaccines are essential to shield your baby from some of the most common and potentially dangerous infections.

It’s normal for babies to experience mild side effects like fussiness or a slight fever, but these usually pass quickly. The brief discomfort is a small price for the lifelong protection these vaccines provide, giving your little one the freedom to safely explore and thrive in their growing world.

Vaccines Given at 4 Months

The 4-month vaccinations such as DTaP, PCV, Rotavirus are an important follow-up to the 2-month doses. These shots reinforce the protection your baby received earlier, making sure their immune system is fully equipped to fight off serious diseases.

They’re crucial for ensuring your baby’s immunity is strong and lasting. Diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough are far more dangerous than any temporary discomfort your baby might experience after the vaccine.

The 6-Month Vaccination Visit

If your baby has missed any vaccinations, don’t worry—catch-up doses are available! At the 6-month visit, your baby will typically receive vaccines for whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

If your baby has already started the rotavirus vaccine series, they may also get a follow-up dose at this time. Keeping up with the schedule ensures your baby gets the full protection they need, so it's important to check in with your paediatrician to stay on track.

Immunisations at 9 Months

At 9 months, your baby may receive additional vaccinations to further strengthen their immunity. One key vaccine at this stage is the measles vaccine, which is especially important in regions where measles is more common.

Your paediatrician will review your baby’s vaccination record to ensure they’ve received all necessary doses so far. If any vaccines were missed, this is the time to catch up. Completing these steps supports your baby’s overall health and prepares them for the next round of important vaccines at 12 months.

The 12-Month Vaccination Checkpoint

At 12 months, your baby will receive some of the most crucial vaccines in the schedule. This includes the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects against these serious diseases, and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

Additionally, your baby will receive the first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine, offering protection against this liver infection. These vaccines are essential for continuing to build your baby’s immunity and ensuring they are well-protected as they grow.

As a paediatrician, I cannot stress enough the importance of timely and complete vaccination for your baby. Following the recommended immunisation schedule ensures your baby develops immunity at the right time, offering them the best protection. Delays or missed doses can leave gaps in immunity, increasing the risk of illness. If you have concerns or questions, I encourage you to discuss them with your doctor. Together, we can ensure your baby’s health and give them a strong foundation for a healthy future.