Baby vaccinations play an important part in laying the foundations for your child’s lifelong health, protecting them against serious infection and disease.
In fact, the World Health Organisation says: ‘The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines'1.Vaccinations are very safe, but it is understandable that you may have concerns. In this article we’ll help you to feel prepared and answer some common questions.
Your baby’s immunity starts to build during pregnancy, as your antibodies are passed through the placenta2. Breastfeeding continues this important process, but the protective effect from your antibodies is only short-lived. This ‘passive immunity’ gives your baby a fantastic start but will not protect them against serious illness over the long term3. To be protected they need to start creating their own antibodies; this is called ‘active immunity’3. Babies born prematurely or by caesarean can have a lower ‘passive immunity’, making vaccination even more critical4.
Vaccinations help your baby to build up lifelong immunity by enabling their body to create its own antibodies against specific serious diseases or infections. Vaccines give your baby small, manageable doses of the bacteria or virus it will protect them against. This stimulates their immune system, teaching it how to fight off the illness in the future.5
"The protective effect from your antibodies is only short-lived3"
Your baby’s immunisations are given on a schedule that starts when they are eight weeks old and continues at defined intervals throughout their childhood8. This schedule is important because it delivers the right dose for your baby’s age and ensures there are no gaps in their protection. Your doctor’s surgery or health clinic will send you your baby’s appointments automatically. These vaccinations are free through the HSE & Ireland.
Vaccines are given as single or combined dose injections and administered orally as drops, or through nasal sprays6. Injections will usually be given into your baby’s thigh and then into their upper arm once they are a year old6.
Single-dose vaccines include meningitis B (MenB), rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)6. Rotavirus is given orally using a dropper7. Flu vaccines, which are delivered through a nasal spray, will be offered to your baby when they are two years old8.
Combined vaccinations include: DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB. This stands for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B. Also known as the ‘6-in-1’ vaccine, it is given in one injection6.
Your healthcare professional will check that your baby is well before proceeding with the vaccinations. Be sure to let them know if your baby has a fever, diarrhoea or has been ill, as they may decide to delay for a few days.
You may have to remove your baby’s clothing, so dress them in clothes that are easy to take on and off9.
You will be able to cuddle your baby on your lap during the appointment but be prepared for some crying after injections. Remember, it’ll be over very quickly. They’ll soon forget all about it and you are building up their immunity to protect them.
If you are calm and positive, your baby will feel reassured. Take a favourite toy or treat with you to distract them. Some health centres give stickers and certificates for bravery to older babies and toddlers too.
"If you are calm and positive about vaccinations, your baby will feel reassured.7"
It is unusual for babies to experience side-effects after a vaccination although occasionally babies show mild side effects within 24 hours of receiving a vaccination. Side effects include fever and some swelling and redness around the site of infection. There is no need to worry if your baby experiences these side-effects will not cause any harm to your little one as they will subside within a few days. If you are worried or if your baby is showing more severe symptoms contact your Health Care Professional.
If you would like more information please visit the HSE website here.
It’s easy to think that some diseases are so rare that your baby doesn’t need to be vaccinated against them, but this rarity is the positive result of national immunisation programmes5. It only takes one outbreak in unvaccinated babies for a disease to make a comeback5. Your grandparents may remember when some of these deadly illnesses were commonplace. But ultimately, vaccination is the parent’s choice. If you have any questions or doubts, talk to your GP or healthcare professional before your baby’s first appointment.
related articles
Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch
Last reviewed: 4th December 2020
Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team
