Why Early Immunizations Matter

Have you ever wondered why babies get vaccines starting from the day they’re born? Dr. Bracho-Sanchez, host of the Healthy Children podcast, explains: 

One big reason: the youngest of us are most at risk of getting sick. It's also the time in your child's development when their immune system learns the most from the vaccine.

Early immunizations help children build immunity before they are exposed to germs that can make them very sick. We can prevent life-threatening diseases with vaccines. That's why most of the childhood vaccines are recommended during your baby's first 12 to 18 months of life.

How many diseases does a child's immune system learn to resist by kindergarten?

By the time a child is old enough to start school, vaccines provide their immune system with information to resist 16 diseases! From birth to age 6 years old, infants and children get the following immunizations: hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), Haemophilus influenzae type b, polio, pneumococcal disease, COVID, flu (influenza), measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox (varicella), and hepatitis A.

Immunization schedule for babies & young kids

The recommended immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data for each of the recommended immunizations. To be included in the AAP schedule, the vaccines must be licensed for use in the United States.

Your pediatrician keeps track of your child's vaccines. They make sure your child is protected at the right time. They can also let you know when to schedule the next shot if your child is behind schedule.

View the recommended immunizations from birth through 6 years old here. 

Fun fact: Vaccines protect babies before birth!

It's true. Babies get antibodies during pregnancy from some vaccines their birth parent have had. For example, the baby is protected for a short time after birth if their mother has had the measles vaccine. This is called passive immunity.

However, the protection that moms give their babies during pregnancy starts to wear off in their first year. That's why, when they are 12 months to 18 months old, babies get a shot to keep their immune system protected from measles. (Learn about vaccines for babies during a measles outbreak here.)

Remember

We know from decades of research that the vaccines work best at these recommended ages, and with specific spacing between doses. The pace has a purpose: to keep your child healthy and active. It also keeps others healthy by preventing outbreaks at child care, preschool, and school.

Ask your Kids First Provider if your child is caught up on routine vaccines. When they follow the schedule, children develop lasting immunity—and protect others—from serious diseases. If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your pediatrician. We are here to partner with you to help your child stay healthy and thrive.

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