Why vaccinate your baby?

Babies are born with immune systems that can fight majority germs; however, they are unable to fight with some deadly diseases. Therefore, they need vaccines that help in strengthening their immune system.1

What vaccines to be given to a baby between 6 months to 12 months?

Following chart can offer guidance about vaccination for babies between 6 months to 12 months of age2

Age Vaccine Remarks

6 months

Hep B

If following 0, 1, & 6 months schedule

 

OPV-1

 

 

IIV-1

High-risk groups

7 month

IIV-2

 

9 month

OPV-2

 

 

MMR-1/MR

After 270 completed days

 

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine-1

High-risk groups

10 month

Typhoid conjugate vaccine-1

At least 1-month gap between MMR and TCV

12 month

Hepatitis A (killed or live)

Single-dose for live hepatitis A

 

JE-1

In endemic areas <3 years age

 

Cholera vaccine

Hyperendemic/outbreaks: 2 doses administered 2 weeks apart and a booster dose after 2 years
 

OPV: Oral polio vaccine; IPV: Inactivated polio vaccine; IIV: Inactivated influenza vaccine; Hep B: Hepatitis B; MR: Measles-Rubella; MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella; JE-1: Japanese encephalitis-1

Tips to make vaccine shots less stressful3

  • Cuddle, sing, or talk softly to distract and comfort your baby.
  • A favourite toy or book can also be used for distraction.
  • Smile and make eye contact with the baby to let him know that everything is fine.
  • Hold your baby firmly on the lap, if possible.
  • Your soothing voice, combined with praise and hugs, can reassure baby that everything is okay.

Care to be taken after shots3

Some children get mild reactions from shots, e.g., pain at the injection site, a rash or a fever. These are normal and go away soon.

  • You can use a cool, damp cloth to decrease redness, soreness and/or swelling at the site of vaccination.
  • Use a cool sponge bath to reduce fever.
  • Give your baby liquids more often. Some children may eat less during the 24 hours after vaccination, which is normal.
  • Ask your child’s doctor if you can give any pain relief medication.
  • Paying extra attention to your baby for a few days can be helpful.
  • Call your child’s doctor if you notice something that concerns you.

References

  1. Making the Vaccine Decision: Addressing Common Concerns[Internet]. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/vaccine-decision.html. Accessed on Feb 7, 2020.
  2. Immunization Schedule Recommended by IMA[Internet]. Available at: http://www.ima-india.org/ima/pdfdata/Immunization_Schedule_CHART.pdf. Accessed on Feb 7, 2020.
  3. Before, During, and After Shots[Internet]. Available at:  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/before-during-after-shots.html. Accessed on Feb 7, 2020.