Newborns are highly vulnerable to disease due to their underdeveloped immune systems, which makes timely vaccination in the first six months of life essential.
The arrival of a baby is a life-changing event for families, resulting in new routines, little sleep, and a lot of questions around their care. One area that concerns many new parents is vaccinations for their newborns. In this blog post, we will cover recommended vaccines in the first six months of life.
Before diving into the vaccines, it is important to understand why these are so important for newborn babies. Newborns do not have a fully developed immune system at birth; consequently, it can take a few months until their own bodies can mount robust immune responses. Nature does have some strategies to help them along, including transfer of antibodies from mother to baby during pregnancy. These antibodies remain active in the early months of life to offer protection until their own immune system can kick in. This is why reviewing the immunization history of pregnant women is so important in protecting the newborn.
Vaccine Guidance from the ACIP
According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the following vaccines are recommended:
- Hepatitis B (HepB): The first dose of HepB is administered at birth, followed by the second dose at 1-2 months, and the third dose at 6 months.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP): The DTaP vaccine is administered at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Administered at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Administered at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13): Administered at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Rotavirus: Administered at 2 and 4 months, with the third dose at 6 months depending on the vaccine brand used.
- Influenza: Starting at 6 months, infants should receive the influenza vaccine annually, with the first series consisting of two doses separated by 28 days.
As you may notice, some vaccines are not recommended yet in this time period. This includes vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, among others. We do not recommend getting these vaccines until the antibodies transferred from the mother have stopped being effective, which occurs after the infant reaches six months of age.
Community Vaccine Clinics: Protection for Any Age
Primary.Health has years of experience powering testing and vaccination clinics for school districts, communities, and public health entities. Partner with us to protect the people you serve from vaccine-preventable disease — especially the youngest and most vulnerable. Talk to us about offering fast, accessible vaccinations at scale to stay ahead of outbreaks, and enjoy safer, healthier communities.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
