Immunization for your new born baby is vital for their development. Different countries have different systems and policies about immunization. Here in Singapore, there basically 6 different types of immunization. These are mandatory as required by the goverment as a basic line of health care. There are others which is are optional which I will cover later. If you are not from Singapore, it would be good if you could find out from your practitioner what is required in your country, or alternatively you could follow this list as well.

This is typically given when the baby is born

1. BCG – Which is to protect against Tubercolosis
2. Hepatitis B (1st Dose) – Protects against Hepatitis B

As a Singaporean, you could choose to go over to a poly clinic or to your family Dr. Typically, a poly clinic is much more affordable. During your first month your new born would recieve

1. Hepatitis B (2nd Dose) – Protects against Hepatitis B

Once the baby hits the 3rd month, you should bring the new born for the following immunization

1. DPT/DT (1st Dose) – Protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
2. Oral Sabin (1st Dose) – Poliomyelitis

During the 4th month, follow up with the previous month

1. DPT/DT (2nd Dose) – Protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
2. Oral Sabin (2nd Dose) – Poliomyelitis

During the 5th month, follow up with the previous month

1. DPT/DT (3rd Dose) – Protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
2. Oral Sabin (3rd Dose) – Poliomyelitis

(OPTIONAL) Rotavirus Immunization

If you plan to bring your child into infant care or into child-care in the near future, you might want to consider getting a rotavirus immunization. This is typically to prevent your child from severe diarrhea (gastroenteritis) . This virus is typically spread through hand to mouth. typically with stools of the infected person. You can imagine that if a infant care or child-care facility is not well manage, such an infection is very possible. The result is usually hospitalization and place on IV therapy for a few days to a week depending on the severity.

However, this said, not all children are suitable for such a vaccination. There are conditions such as compromised immunity in a child that makes them unsuitable candidate for such a vaccination. It is best to consult your pediatrician and making an informed decision.

Now, here is a matter of preference and depending on the new born, you as a parent would have to decide if you would like to have your child take the 3rd dose of the Hepatitis B. It ultimately depends on you and your new born. Observe your new born, and determine if during the past immunization, the new born have any adverse reactions to the medication. You can choose to have the 3rd dose either in the 5th or 6th month.

1. Hepatitis B (3rd Dose) – Protects against Hepatitis B

Once the new born has reach his/her 1st birthday. If the parent is a Hep B carrier, it might be good if the child go for a booster jab for Hepatitis B. This is not really compulsory, only a good recommendation.  There are of course different schools of thought to this practice.

What would be definitely good is the MMR immunization during the 12-24 month of age.

1. MMR Primary Dose  – Protects against Mumps, Measels and Rubella

During the 18th months, typically just before the child enters child-care, they should go for the booster immunization

1. DPT/DT (Booster) – Protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
2. Oral Sabin (Booster) – Poliomyelitis

Do take note that most form of vaccination takes in the form of a “weaken” form of the actual virus. This is like a mock-up scenario to prepare the new borns body for the actual virus attack. After the vaccination, your child might experience various symptoms such as low grade fever, slight rashes on the skin, flushes, irritablity and fussiness. Know that this is normal and you can help your child feel better by giving him a dose of medication for fever or a cool cloth to cover the affected rash area.

However, if the fever persist even after medication or over a couple of days, consult a doctor immediately, if the child seems less active than usual or goes into a sizure or fit, consult a doctor immediately.

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