Why Vaccines Matter—Even Before Baby Arrives
From flu season to RSV to Hepatitis B, newborns face big risks from very small viruses. Fortunately, many of those risks can be prevented by prenatal and early-life vaccinations. Knowing how and when to protect your baby starts long before your delivery day.
👉 Curious about which vaccines matter most before and right after birth? Read the full article here
Ask Dr. Stan
1. Why are some vaccines given to babies right after birth?
That’s a great question—and a smart one. Newborns are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. For instance, the Hepatitis B vaccine is often given within the first 24 hours of life. This early dose provides critical protection, especially if the baby is at risk due to maternal Hepatitis B status. It’s one of the first important steps toward lifelong immunity.
2. Should I be vaccinated during pregnancy to protect my baby?
Yes—and it’s one of the best things you can do to give your baby an early layer of protection. Vaccines like Tdap (to prevent whooping cough), the flu shot, and the RSV vaccine (given between 32–36 weeks) help your body make antibodies. Those antibodies are passed to your baby through the placenta, offering early immunity until they’re old enough to receive their own vaccines. Always talk to your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine while pregnant.
3. Is it safe to get vaccines during pregnancy?
Absolutely. Multiple studies have confirmed that vaccines like Tdap and the flu shot are safe and effective for both mom and baby. Most side effects are mild—things like soreness at the injection site or a slight fever. Your care provider will help you time your vaccines safely and answer any questions along the way.
4. What is the RSV vaccine and why is it important for my baby?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause serious lung infections in infants, especially those under 6 months. The RSV vaccine, given during pregnancy or as a monoclonal antibody (like Nirsevimab) shortly after birth, can dramatically reduce your baby’s risk of severe illness during RSV season. It’s especially important for high-risk infants or those born during the fall and winter months.
5. What diseases do early infant vaccinations help prevent?
Vaccines given in the first year of life help protect against serious diseases like Hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rotavirus, pneumococcal infections, and more. Many of these can lead to life-threatening complications in infants, so early immunization offers essential protection when babies need it most.
6. What’s the vaccine schedule like in the first year?
Newborns typically receive their first Hepatitis B shot at birth. By 2, 4, and 6 months, they’ll receive additional vaccines including DTaP, Hib, polio, rotavirus, and pneumococcal vaccines. Around 6 months, the flu vaccine may be introduced. Your pediatrician will help keep track of the schedule and adjust if needed to keep your baby on track.
7. Why do I need a Tdap vaccine with each pregnancy?
Each pregnancy is unique, and so is the protection your body passes on to your baby. The Tdap vaccine helps guard against whooping cough, which can be deadly for newborns. By getting the shot between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, your body produces fresh antibodies that help protect your newborn until they can be vaccinated themselves.
8. What are some signs my baby might have a reaction to a vaccine?
Mild side effects are common and usually include fussiness, a low-grade fever, or some redness at the injection site. These are signs your baby’s immune system is doing its job. If your baby develops a high fever (above 104°F), has trouble breathing, or cries for more than 3 hours continuously, contact your pediatric care provider immediately.
9. How can I comfort my baby after vaccinations?
Snuggling, breastfeeding, and giving age-appropriate doses of infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if recommended by your pediatrician) can help ease discomfort. These symptoms usually pass in a day or two. Keeping a calm, soothing environment can also make a big difference for your little one.
10. How can I plan ahead for my baby’s vaccinations?
Start the conversation during pregnancy with your obstetrician and plan to establish care with a pediatrician before delivery. They’ll guide you through your baby’s first-year vaccine schedule and ensure you know what to expect. Keeping your own vaccines up to date—and encouraging others in close contact with your baby to do the same—helps build a circle of protection around your child from day one.
