What vaccines do newborns receive within the first year of life?

Oct 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xie Zixing

Introduction

There are many vaccines that newborns need to receive within the first year of life. Common ones include the hepatitis B vaccine, which aims to stimulate the newborn's immune system to develop immunity against hepatitis B and prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus; the BCG vaccine, intended to protect against tuberculosis; and the polio vaccine, primarily used to prevent poliomyelitis, an acute infectious disease caused by the poliovirus.

Newborns need to receive many vaccines within the first year of life, with some of the more common ones being the hepatitis B vaccine, BCG vaccine, and polio vaccine.

1. Hepatitis B Vaccine

Newborns receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth, followed by a second dose one month later and a third dose at six months of age. For babies born to mothers with hepatitis B, the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin should be administered promptly after birth to effectively block transmission of the hepatitis B virus. The subsequent two doses are still given at one month and six months of age. The purpose is to stimulate the newborn's immune system to develop immunity against hepatitis B and prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus.

2. BCG Vaccine

The BCG vaccine is administered 2–3 days after birth to protect newborns against tuberculosis. As children grow older, the antibody levels in their bodies gradually decline. Therefore, to maintain sufficient antibody levels, booster vaccinations are recommended at ages 7 and 12.

3. Polio Vaccine

The polio vaccine is typically given at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, with a fourth dose administered at age 4. The primary purpose is to prevent poliomyelitis, an acute infectious disease caused by the poliovirus.

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Can newborn vaccinations be administered at different locations?

When newborns receive vaccinations, if two doses are required and the two vaccines do not interact with each other or cause adverse reactions, they can be administered at different sites under a doctor's guidance. However, if simultaneous administration of the two vaccines may lead to abnormal effects, a certain interval should be maintained before administering the second dose, in order to prevent side effects and ensure effective protection.

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When should a newborn receive their second vaccination?

When newborns are born full-term, with normal weight, height, and head circumference, they usually receive their second vaccine dose one month after birth, provided they are in good health and have no other symptoms or discomfort. However, if the baby is premature or suffers from other serious illnesses, vaccination should be postponed until the condition has recovered or the baby's weight reaches the normal range, to prevent potential complications.

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Should a newborn receive the vaccine at 30 days or 42 days?

Newborns may receive vaccinations at either 30 days or 42 days of age. Since different vaccines have different recommended schedules, the specific timing must follow the prescribed vaccination schedule. Generally, if a newborn is in good condition shortly after birth, they can receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours.

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Can newborns take a bath before getting vaccinated?

A newborn's skin has a particularly fast metabolism, and rashes or stains may appear on the skin. It is important to keep the skin clean. Bathing helps maintain skin hygiene and prevent infections, but the water temperature should be moderate. Water that is too cold may cause the baby to catch a chill, leading to symptoms of a cold. Conversely, water that is too hot may burn the skin and could affect vaccination. Therefore, it is acceptable for a newborn to bathe before receiving vaccines, but the water temperature must be carefully controlled.