A baby is safer when his/her vaccinations are given on time. It might seem scary with all those injections and the crying, but it is worth it. Vaccinations provided at the right time can keep your baby from acquiring several diseases.
Here are few necessary vaccinations that should be given to your baby.
1. Hepatitis B
Your baby should ideally receive 3 dosages of this vaccination - one immediately after birth, one after 2 months and one when he/she is about 6-8 months of age.
This is the first vaccination that the baby receives. As a matter of fact, some schools require that your baby receives the Hepatitis B vaccination before he/she begins schooling.
This vaccination is given in 2-3 doses over a span of few months. The first dose is given when the baby is around 2 months old, the second one is given when the baby is 4 months old and the third dose is dependent on the effect of the second dose. If it is required, go for the third dose.
This vaccine protects your baby from rotavirus, which causes diarrhea among children.
DTaP stands for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (extreme coughing). You need to give approximately five doses of this vaccination to your baby to keep them in good health. The vaccination is to be given at the 2nd, 4th and 6th month after birth. When your baby is around 15-18 months old, you need to get him/her vaccinated again. The final dose is given between the ages of 4-6 years.
This vaccine guards your baby against Haemophilus influenza type b. It gives your baby the immunity to resist the effects of bacterial meningitis. Four doses are given at equal intervals between the 2nd to the 6th month.
5. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
This vaccine protects your baby against pneumococcal diseases. It is given in a batch of 4 doses. The first shot is given when your baby turns two months old. After this, your baby needs to be given one shot a month till he/she is around 12-15 months old.
6. Inactive Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)
Like Amitabh Bachchan said, “Do boond zindagi ke liye!”. This vaccine protects your baby from polio. The first dose is given when the baby is around 2 months old, another at 4 months of age and finally, another dose between 6-18 months of age. Although your baby will cry, it is important that they receive this vaccination.
This protects your baby from the flu. It is a seasonal vaccination that is given during the peak season of flu. These shots can be given after your baby turns 6 months old.
It stands for measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). It is given in two doses - one when the baby is between 12-15 months old and the other during the time phase of early childhood (between 4-6 years). The vaccine can also be given 28 days after the baby is born.
It shields your baby against chickenpox. It should be given when your baby is 1 year old and the other should be given when he/she is 4-6 years old.