Immunizations right after birth

The minute your little bundle is out in this world, his immunization schedule comes into force. If you dreaded those endless waits at the gynecologist, you are in for a surprise. Your next round of regular follow-ups to your baby’s doctor is underway for his immunizations and regular growth progress. The first round of vaccinations will go unnoticeable, as your baby will be taken to the nursery to have them administered and returned with just a band aid to know he got his first jabs. The vaccinations that your baby will receive, within the 2 days of your stay in the hospital are:

Polio vaccine: Two types of vaccine available - oral and injectable; oral vaccine is preferred as it provides both systemic & gut immunity. The vaccine should be started at 6 wks of age. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends a 'zero' dose at birth.

Hepatitis B vaccine: Quite an expensive vaccine but recommended, as children who get the infection are more prone to get chronic hepatitis and liver cancer in later years. It induces 90% protection against hepatitis B virus infection and adverse effects are minimal, consisting mainly of soreness at injection site. All newborns should be administered the vaccine. Infants who did not receive a dose of the vaccine at birth should receive three doses by 18 months of age.

BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) vaccine: In our part of the world where tuberculosis is still common, babies will receive BCG vaccine for prevention of the disease. This BCG vaccine is made from a live weakened bacterium related to tuberculosis (TB) bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). The BCG vaccine prevents the bacteria from spreading within the body, thus preventing TB from developing.