Watching a needle go into your tiny baby’s leg is hard, and it is natural to have questions about what each vaccine is for. Baby vaccinations protect against serious illnesses at the age when babies are most vulnerable. Here is how they work, what the first-year schedule usually looks like, which side effects are normal and how to make vaccination day easier.
Quick answer: baby vaccinations
- Why: vaccines protect babies from serious diseases like whooping cough, measles and meningitis.
- When: most countries start at around 6 to 8 weeks, with more doses in the first 18 months.
- Side effects: usually mild, such as a sore leg, fussiness or a low fever for a day or two.
- Schedules differ by country; follow your local programme and ask your doctor or nurse.
Why vaccinations matter
Babies’ immune systems are still developing, and some infections that are mild in adults can be life-threatening for them. Vaccines teach the immune system to recognise germs safely. When most people are vaccinated, it also protects babies too young to be fully vaccinated. Vaccines are tested carefully and their safety is monitored continuously.
What the first-year schedule usually includes
- diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis)
- polio
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- hepatitis B
- pneumococcal disease
- rotavirus (an oral vaccine)
- meningococcal disease, in some countries
- measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), usually around 12 months
Many vaccines are combined into one injection. Your doctor or health service will give you the exact schedule for your country, including the Netherlands’ national programme (Rijksvaccinatieprogramma).
Common side effects
- redness, swelling or tenderness where the injection was given
- crying, fussiness or sleepiness for a day or two
- a mild fever
- slightly reduced appetite
How to comfort your baby
- Hold your baby close during the injection.
- Breastfeed or offer a bottle during or right after; sucking and closeness soothe pain.
- Dress your baby in easy clothing for quick access to the legs.
- Offer extra feeds and cuddles afterwards.
- Use pain relief only if advised, at the right dose. See giving baby medicine safely.
When to talk to your doctor
- a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in a baby under 3 months, or 39°C or higher at any age
- crying that is inconsolable for 3 hours or more
- swelling, hives or breathing difficulty soon after the vaccine: seek emergency help
- redness or swelling that keeps getting bigger after 2 days
- you have questions about the schedule, delays or catching up
Frequently asked questions
Can my baby have vaccines if they have a cold?
Usually yes, for a mild illness. If your baby has a fever, the nurse may suggest waiting.
Do vaccines overload the immune system?
No. Babies’ immune systems handle many germs every day; vaccines are a tiny fraction of that.
Is it a problem if a dose was missed?
Most vaccines can be caught up. Contact your doctor to arrange it.
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Sources
- World Health Organization: Vaccines and immunization
- CDC: Child and adolescent immunization schedule
- NHS: NHS vaccinations and when to have them
- RIVM: Rijksvaccinatieprogramma (Netherlands)
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Follow your national vaccination schedule and talk to your doctor or child health clinic with any questions.