Ever wondered why newborns get vaccinated? The crux lies in their developing immune system, which is too weak to fight infections on its own. Vaccines for newborn play a crucial role in protecting the baby against life-threatening diseases by providing immunity to fight off these diseases.  Did you know? Vaccines protect babies even before birth. Babies develop some antibodies during pregnancy from the vaccines their mothers have had.

Why are Vaccinations Essential for Newborns?

Vaccines are substances that help protect the body from certain diseases – earlier diseases like polio, diphtheria, and more infected a lot of children resulting in irreversible problems. However, polio vaccines help prevent newborns from diseases and most of the newborns don’t get it anymore. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), vaccines for newborns help protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases. The newborns are vaccinated against various types of life-threatening diseases including, Hepatitis B (Know it’s symptoms, causes & treatment), Tuberculosis (TB) (know how to prevent TB), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Rotavirus, and more.

Role of Vaccinations in Newborns

The primary role of vaccinations in newborns is to provide immunity (Tips to boost your immune system) from a wide range of diseases during the most vulnerable stage in life. Here’s the key role of vaccines:

• Protection Against Diseases:

  The main role of vaccines is to protect the newborn from life-threatening diseases like polio, hepatitis, TB, and more which can be fatal at this stage.

• Helps Build Immunity:

  During childhood, the immune system is in the developing stage and vaccines help stimulate the baby’s immune system to produce antibodies, creating a defence system against various types of infections, flu, and diseases.

• Prevents Disease Spread:

  Vaccinated newborns reduce the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases, thus leading to protecting those around them and also the future generation from these illnesses. 

• Reduces the Risk for Long-Term Consequences:

  Various preventable diseases can cause lifelong disabilities, like paralysis, brain damage (know about Aphasia-which affects left side of the brain), liver damage, etc. Early vaccination can help avoid these disabilities.

• Reduces the Need for Antibiotics:

  Early vaccination can help reduce the need for antibiotics (are antibiotics effective against viruses), which can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

• Cost Benefit:

  Early vaccination in newborns helps prevent costly treatment, easing financial strain.

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Key Vaccines Newborns Need

In India, newborns receive several essential vaccines under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), also known as the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) to protect newborns and pregnant women (important points to know for about vaccination during pregnancy) against life-threatening diseases. The national immunization programme is a flagship public health initiative launched by the Government of India that offers free vaccines across the country, available across all rural and urban locations. The initiative is supported by WHO and UNICEF. Key vaccines given at birth and in the following years include:

• BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin): BCG vaccine for newborn protect against tuberculosis (TB) 
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B vaccine is given to protect the newborn from a viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease.
• Polio Vaccine (OPV-O): Help protect against poliovirus which can cause paralysis. 
• DTaP/DTwP: DTaP/DTwP vaccine protects against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
• Rotavirus Vaccine: Vaccine helps protect against rotavirus. 
• MMR: MMR vaccine helps from measles (know it symptoms, causes & how to prevent it), mumps, and rubella.

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Vaccination Schedule for Newborns (Newborn Baby Vaccination Chart)

Vaccine	Age	Purpose
BCG	0 to 12 Months	Prevents tuberculosis (TB)
Hepatitis B	0 to 24 Months	Prevents from Hepatitis B
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)	0 to 15 Days	Helps protect against polio
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)	6, 10 & 14 weeks (booster up to 5 years)	Continued protection from polio
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)	6 & 14 weeks (up to 1 year)	Additional protection against polio
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)	6, 10 & 14 weeks	Protects against rotavirus (diarrhoea-Home remedies for Diarrhoea)
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine	6 & 14 weeks, 9 months	Prevent pneumococcal infections
Measles-Rubella (MR) – 1st Dose	9 to 12 months	Protect against measles & rubella
Japanese Encephalitis	9 to 12 months (up to 15 years)	To protect against Japanese encephalitis
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – Booster	16 to 24 months (up to 5 years)	Continued immunity against polio
Japanese Encephalitis – 2nd Dose	16 to 24 months (up to 15 years)	Added protection against Japanese encephalitis

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Common Concerns & Myths About Paediatric Immunisation

There are numerous myths surrounding newborn vaccinations leading to hesitancy resulting in serious complications. Some of the most common ones include:

• Vaccine causes Autism: Vaccines causing autism and other health-related issues are the most common misconception. However, there is no link between vaccines and autism.
• Vaccines are Aggressive & Overwhelming for Newborns Immune System:  Another common misconception around vaccines is they are overwhelming for newborns, though these vaccines are meant and given to boost immunity. There is no scientific evidence providing this myth.
• It’s Okay to Delay Newborn Vaccines: Delayed vaccination is also considered okay, though this misconception can turn out to be a life-threatening condition for the baby. Delaying vaccines can leave a baby vulnerable during their most fragile months and timely vaccination is key to prevention.
• Natural Immunity is Better than Vaccine Acquired Immunity: Natural immunity is built by exposure to infections though it comes with risks of serious complications. Vaccines provide immunity without the disease or its dangers.
• Vaccine Contain Harmful Chemicals: Vaccine components are present in extremely small, safe amounts. Every ingredient is tested for safety and approved by international health authorities.

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FAQs

When to give the BCG vaccine to newborns?

BCG vaccine should be given at birth, as soon as possible after birth.

What happens if I miss a vaccine for my newborn?

It is recommended to catch up with the missed vaccine as soon as possible. 

Are there any alternatives to vaccines for newborns?

No, there are no alternatives to vaccines for newborns.

Can my baby get vaccinated if they are sick?

Yes, your baby can get vaccinated if they are experiencing mild illness. 

What should I do if my baby has a reaction to a vaccine?

If your baby has a reaction to a vaccine, monitor for mild symptoms like pain, swelling, rashes, etc. If the symptoms persist consult a specialist. 

Do vaccines affect my baby’s immune system?

No, vaccines do not affect or weaken a baby’s immune system.