Top 

Hepatitis B
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 year.



 

Top 

Diphtheria,Tetanus and Pertussis
This vaccine protects your baby from three diseases -- diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or whooping cough.

Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that produce toxins that 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 that affects the nervous system and causes muscle spasms and paralysis, especially in the jaw area. It is 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.

 

Top 

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (H1B)
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B isn't the viral infection that everybody calls the flu.

Instead, it's a fast-moving bacterial infection that can cause baby to have ear and bronchial infections.

HIB also can lead to meningitis in children under the age of 2, so it is important that you protect your child with three doses of the HIB vaccine during the first year -- at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.

Experts also recommend that a fourth dose be given before your child's second birthday.
 

Top 

Polio
Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a serious viral disease that starts with a fever and can lead to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and permanent disability. In its most severe forms, polio can cause death.

Polio vaccine comes in two forms, IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) which is given by injection and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) which is given by mouth.

Pediatricians recommends giving the vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 12 to 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years of age.

You and your baby's doctor can decide whether a schedule of all OPV, all IPV, or a combination of both forms is best for your baby.
 

Top 

Measles, Mumps and Rubella or German Measles
This vaccine provides coverage for three diseases in a single shot -- Measles, Mumps and Rubella or German Measles.

Measles is a viral infection that causes distinctive red spots and is characterized by cold-like symptoms and a high fever.

Mumps is an infectious viral disease that results in swelling of the parotid gland that is just in front of the ear and the salivary glands. The swelling can occur on the sides of one or both cheeks. Mumps usually is accompanied by a fever and pain when the patient opens his mouth or eats.

Rubella or German Measles is similar to measles in that it is a viral infection that results in a fever, swollen glands, and a rash.

Baby may be more sleepy than usual and have a mild rash, slight fever, or slight swelling in the neck or diaper area.

The first MMR vaccine is usually given when baby is between 12 and 15 months and seldom has any serious side effects.

The second shot (booster) is recommended between 4 to 6 years of age.
 

Top 

Varicella
This vaccine protects baby against chicken pox, a viral infection, which is highly contagious, and results in a blister-like rash that is very itchy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive the Varicella vaccine between the ages of 12 and 18 months.

A second dose also is recommended at between 11 and 12 years of age.
 

Top