Immunizations for newborns
Most newborns do not need any vaccinations, unless the mother carries the hepatitis B virus.
- If you have hepatitis B, your baby should be vaccinated against it within 12 hours after birth. He or she also should receive a special gamma globulin shot that helps to protect her against hepatitis B infection.
- If you were not tested or have risk factors for hepatitis B infection, your infant should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and, in some cases, also receive the special gamma globulin shot.
Some pediatricians start hepatitis vaccinations in the newborn period. The first dose of hepatitis B vaccine can be given safely anytime between birth and two months of age in full-term infants.
Immunization schedules Your baby's health care provider will vaccinate your baby according to the schedule recommended by federal or state (Minnesota) public health officials. If your baby misses one of the regularly scheduled doses, there is no need to start the vaccination series over. Simply continue the vaccination series.
Too many shots? Some parents worry about giving too many vaccinations to babies. The protection against formerly common and devastating diseases more than compensates for the inconvenience of vaccinations.
In addition, new, combined vaccines will reduce the number of shots without reducing the number of immunizations. You may hear some of the many unfounded rumors about these vaccinations. For example, one mother heard that multiple vaccinations "weaken" the immune system. There is no truth to this.
If you have questions about your child's immunizations, ask your child's health care provider.
Immunization record worksheet (requires Adobe Reader) Federal immunization schedules Minnesota immunization schedules Return to "The first few days, Volume 1." Pregnancy Condition Center: Your newborn Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota: Well child care
Source: Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
First published: 05/01/2001
Last updated: 06/06/2006
Reviewed by: Kent Wegmann, MD, Children's of Minnesota
Pediatric Clinic - St. Paul
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