When Is It Necessary to Get a Newborn Vaccinated? Getting a newborn vaccinated is one of the most important things a parent can do for their child’s health and well-being. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect babies from serious diseases and illnesses. Vaccines work by introducing a small amount of a weakened or killed virus or bacteria into the body, which helps the body build immunity to the disease. Vaccines are available for a wide range of illnesses and diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and diphtheria. Vaccines are recommended for all babies, regardless of where they were born. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends babies get a series of vaccines starting at birth. The series of vaccines is called the “vaccine schedule.” This schedule is designed to provide protection against the most common and serious diseases that can affect babies. The vaccine schedule is divided into three stages: the birth dose, the two-month dose, and the four-month dose. The birth dose typically includes the hepatitis B vaccine and the two-month dose typically includes the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, the inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine, the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, and the pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccine. The four-month dose typically includes the second dose of DTaP, IPV, Hib, and PCV vaccines, as well as the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. It is important to note that the vaccine schedule is subject to change, as new vaccines are developed and existing vaccines are updated. Additionally, some vaccines may be recommended for certain babies based on their medical history and other factors. For example, babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B may need to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. In addition to the standard vaccine schedule, some vaccines may be recommended for babies based on their travel plans. For example, babies who plan to travel to certain countries may need to receive vaccines that are not included in the standard vaccine schedule, such as the yellow fever vaccine. It is important to talk to a doctor or other health care provider before traveling to make sure the baby is up-to-date on all recommended vaccines. Getting a newborn vaccinated is an important part of protecting the baby’s health and well-being. Vaccines are safe and effective, and they can help protect babies from serious diseases and illnesses. Vaccines are recommended for all babies, and the vaccine schedule may need to be adjusted for some babies based on their medical history and travel plans. It is important to talk to a doctor or other health care provider about any questions or concerns about vaccines.