4 Month Immunizations: Part 1
All sleepy after shots
Oh how I was dreading the 4 month check-up. Not because of anything else except the immunizations. If you are currently pregnant and wondering when your little one will receive their shots then count on the following shot schedule for the first 6 months:
At birth: They receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine before they leave the hospital.
At 2 months: They will receive the 2nd dose of the Hep B vaccine as well as their 1st Rotovirus (oral vaccine), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type b), PCV (Pneumococcal) and the IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus (Polio)) vaccinations. All of the vaccines listed are part of a series of shots they will receive over time.
At 4 months: All of the same ones they received at 2 months except the Hep B.
At 6 months: They receive all of the ones they received at 2 months, however, depending on where you get them done some clinics will give the last Hep B shot and the 3rd IPV shot anywhere from 6 months-18 months. It is also recommended that the flu shot be given after this point and every year there after.
Keep in mind that almost all vaccinations are contingent upon the decision of the parent or the reaction of the child. There are waivers available for children whose parents are not comfortable with them receiving these vaccination, if the child has religious constraints that do not allow for vaccinations, or if the child exhibits an adverse reaction to one or more of these vaccines. For example, I do not have to get Addison vaccinated for Rotovirus because she coughs her cookies the moment it touches her tongue.
So…needless to say, I was dreading the four month appointment. I hate seeing my baby get so many shots! Stay tuned for part 2 of my post to see how our appointment actually went.
In the meantime, feel free to share your own vaccine stories, fears or questions!
