Essential Vaccination Schedule and Tips for Your Baby's Health

Vaccination Schedule and Precautions for Infants

Dear Dr.
Chen,
Hello.
After birth and before entering elementary school, infants must receive a series of vaccinations, such as Hepatitis B and BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin).
I would appreciate it if you could provide information on the vaccination schedule and any important considerations.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.
Sincerely,
Li Renxiang
January 28, 2004, 10:15 AM

Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/01/28

Dr. Chen Qianyi reply Pediatrics

Congratulations on becoming a new dad! Before your child starts elementary school, especially in the first two years, it is indeed necessary to administer several vaccines.
The vaccination schedule is detailed in your child's health booklet, as follows:
- Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (1 dose): within 24 hours of birth
- Hepatitis B Recombinant Vaccine:
- First dose: 3-5 days after birth
- Second dose: 1 month after birth
- Third dose: 6 months after birth
- BCG Vaccine (1 dose): after 24 hours of birth (for those who test negative in the screening)
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Combination Vaccine:
- First dose: 2 months after birth
- Second dose: 4 months after birth
- Third dose: 6 months after birth
- Booster: 18 months after birth
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Booster: 1st grade of elementary school
- Oral Polio Vaccine:
- First dose: 2 months after birth
- Second dose: 4 months after birth
- Third dose: 6 months after birth
- Booster: 18 months after birth
- Additional booster: 1st grade of elementary school
- Measles Vaccine (1 dose): 9 months after birth
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Combination Vaccine:
- First dose: 13 months after birth
- Second dose: 3rd grade of middle school or elementary school
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine:
- First dose: 13 months after birth (administered annually from March to May)
- Second dose: 2 weeks after the first dose
- Third dose: 27 months after birth
- Additional booster: 1st grade of elementary school
Additionally, there are some vaccines that require out-of-pocket payment, such as Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccine, which you can inquire about during vaccination with your physician.
During vaccinations, the doctor or nurse will explain the possible reactions to parents.
Each vaccine may have slightly different reactions, generally categorized into local reactions and systemic reactions.
Local reactions include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the injection site.
Systemic reactions are most commonly fever, along with irritability, rashes, and even convulsions.
However, the incidence of these reactions is low, especially severe reactions are very rare.
Therefore, there is no need to avoid vaccinating your child due to the rare possibility of reactions.
Each vaccine also has other considerations during administration, which you can discuss further with your physician during your visit.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2004/01/28

More Info

Congratulations on becoming a new father! It's a wonderful journey, and ensuring your baby's health through vaccinations is a crucial part of it. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your child from various infectious diseases. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the essential vaccination schedule for infants and young children, along with some important tips to keep in mind.

Essential Vaccination Schedule
1. Hepatitis B Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: Within 24 hours of birth.

- 2nd Dose: At 1-2 months of age.

- 3rd Dose: At 6-18 months of age.

2. BCG Vaccine (for Tuberculosis):
- 1st Dose: Given after 24 hours of birth, if the infant is healthy.

3. DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: At 2 months of age.

- 2nd Dose: At 4 months of age.

- 3rd Dose: At 6 months of age.

- Booster: At 18 months and again at 4-6 years.

4. Polio Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: At 2 months of age.

- 2nd Dose: At 4 months of age.

- 3rd Dose: At 6-18 months of age.

- Booster: At 4-6 years.

5. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: At 12-15 months of age.

- 2nd Dose: At 4-6 years of age.

6. Hib Vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b):
- 1st Dose: At 2 months of age.

- 2nd Dose: At 4 months of age.

- 3rd Dose: At 6 months of age.

- Booster: At 12-15 months.

7. Pneumococcal Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: At 2 months of age.

- 2nd Dose: At 4 months of age.

- 3rd Dose: At 6 months of age.

- Booster: At 12-15 months.

8. Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: At 12-15 months of age.

- 2nd Dose: At 4-6 years of age.

9. Influenza Vaccine:
- Annual vaccination is recommended starting at 6 months of age.

Important Tips for Vaccination
- Consult Your Pediatrician: Always discuss your child's vaccination schedule with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health history and any specific concerns you may have.

- Monitor for Reactions: After vaccination, it's normal for children to experience mild reactions such as redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or irritability. Serious reactions are rare but should be reported to your healthcare provider.

- Keep Records: Maintain a vaccination record for your child. This will help you keep track of what vaccines have been administered and when the next doses are due.

- Stay Informed: Vaccination guidelines can change, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest recommendations from health authorities like the CDC or WHO.

- Consider Additional Vaccines: Depending on your location and lifestyle, your pediatrician may recommend additional vaccines, such as those for rotavirus or meningococcal disease.

- Timing Matters: If your child is ill or has a fever, consult your pediatrician before proceeding with vaccinations. It’s generally advised to wait until your child has fully recovered.

- Breastfeeding and Vaccination: If you are breastfeeding, it is safe to receive vaccinations, including the flu vaccine. In fact, maternal vaccination can provide some immunity to the infant through breast milk.

Conclusion
Vaccinations are a vital part of your child's health care and help prevent serious diseases. Following the recommended vaccination schedule and consulting with your healthcare provider will ensure that your child is protected as they grow. Remember, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and keeping your child up to date with their immunizations is one of the best ways to safeguard their health. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

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