What are the recommended vaccinations for my baby?

Getting your baby vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect them from serious illnesses. Vaccinations help your baby develop immunity to diseases that can cause serious complications or even death. Here are the recommended vaccinations for your baby:

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Polio (IPV)
• Pneumococcal disease (PCV)
• Rotavirus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that babies receive their vaccinations on a specific schedule to ensure maximum protection. The first vaccinations are usually given at 2 months of age, with additional doses given at 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. Your pediatrician can give you more information on the recommended schedule for your baby's vaccinations.

The recommended vaccinations for babies in the United States are as follows:

• Hepatitis B (HepB): This vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection. It is given as a series of three shots, the first at birth, the second at 1-2 months of age, and the third at 6-18 months of age.
• Rotavirus (RV): This vaccine protects against rotavirus, a virus that can cause severe diarrhea. It is given as a series of two or three shots, depending on the brand of vaccine.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP): This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, three serious diseases. It is given as a series of five shots, the first at 2 months of age, the second at 4 months of age, the third at 6 months of age, the fourth at 15-18 months of age, and the fifth at 4-6 years of age.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): This vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacteria that can cause serious infections in the blood, brain, and spinal cord. It is given as a series of four shots, the first at 2 months of age, the second at 4 months of age, the third at 6 months of age, and the fourth at 12-15 months of age.
• Polio (IPV): This vaccine protects against polio, a serious disease that can cause paralysis. It is given as a series of four shots, the first at 2 months of age, the second at 4 months of age, the third at 6-18 months of age, and the fourth at 4-6 years of age.
• Pneumococcal (PCV): This vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. It is given as a series of four shots, the first at 2 months of age, the second at 4 months of age, the third at 6-18 months of age, and the fourth at 12-15 months of age.
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, three serious diseases. It is given as a single shot at 12-15 months of age.
• Varicella (chickenpox): This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a common and sometimes serious disease. It is given as a single shot at 12-15 months of age.
• Meningococcal (MenACWY): This vaccine protects against meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis, a serious infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is given as a single shot at 11-12 years of age.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): This vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer and other types of cancer. It is given as a series of three shots, the first at 11-12 years of age, the second at 6-12 months after the first shot, and the third at 6-12 months after the second shot.

It is important to note that these are the recommended vaccinations for babies in the United States. Your doctor may recommend additional or different vaccinations based on your baby's individual health needs.