Keeping your baby protected from serious diseases is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Vaccines help your baby’s body learn to fight off harmful germs. This article explains which shots your baby needs between 6 and 12 months of age.
Why Vaccines Are Important
Vaccines protect your baby from diseases that can make them very sick. The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “Vaccines are one of the best ways parents can protect their children from serious diseases” [1].
Vaccines work by teaching your baby’s body how to fight specific germs without getting sick from the actual disease.
Vaccines at 6 Months
When your baby is 6 months old, they will usually get these vaccines:
- DTaP (3rd dose): Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
- IPV (3rd dose): Protects against polio
- PCV13 (3rd dose): Protects against pneumococcal disease
- Rotavirus (3rd dose): Protects against a virus that causes severe diarrhea
- Flu shot: Protects against influenza (the flu)
The CDC says, “The flu can be very dangerous for young babies, which is why the first flu shot is given at 6 months” [2].
Between 6-12 Months
Some vaccines are given between 6 and 12 months, depending on when your doctor recommends them:
- Hepatitis B (3rd dose): Can be given between 6-18 months
- Hib (3rd or 4th dose): Timing depends on which Hib vaccine brand your doctor uses
- Flu shot: If your baby gets their first flu shot during flu season, they will need a second dose one month later
Vaccines at 12 Months
Around your baby’s first birthday, they will get several important vaccines:
- MMR (1st dose): Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella
- Varicella (1st dose): Protects against chickenpox
- Hepatitis A (1st dose): Protects against hepatitis A virus
- PCV13 (4th dose): Final dose of pneumococcal vaccine
Dr. Paul Offit from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia notes, “The 12-month vaccines are timed to work best with your baby’s developing immune system” [3].
What to Expect at Vaccine Visits
At your baby’s vaccination appointments:
- The doctor will check your baby’s health before giving any shots
- Most vaccines are given as shots in the leg muscle
- Your baby may cry for a few minutes but usually calms down quickly
- Some babies may be fussy or have a low fever after vaccines
Tips for Vaccine Day
To help make vaccine visits easier:
- Bring your baby’s favorite toy or blanket
- Hold and comfort your baby during shots
- Use a sweet-tasting pacifier or feed your baby right after shots
- You can give baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) if the doctor says it’s okay
Keeping Track
It’s important to keep track of which vaccines your baby has received:
- Ask for a vaccine record card and bring it to each visit
- Take a picture of the card with your phone as a backup
- Some states have online vaccine registries you can access
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your baby:
- Has a fever over 102°F after vaccines
- Cries for more than 3 hours without stopping
- Has severe swelling or redness around the shot area
- Seems very sick or not acting like themselves
Most babies have only mild reactions to vaccines that go away in 1-2 days.
Remember, following the recommended vaccine schedule is one of the best ways to keep your baby healthy and protected!
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). “Vaccine Safety: The Facts.” HealthyChildren.org.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.” CDC.gov.
- Offit, P. (2022). “Vaccines and Your Baby.” Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
