• Florianópolis - State of Santa Catarina
  • Mon. - Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Sunday - weekend

Vaccinations of newborns

Vaccinations of newborns

What are the mandatory and optional immunizations given to newborns and their schedules?

What is the difference between vaccination and immunization?

Vaccination and immunization are terms that are often used interchangeably but have slight differences:

Vaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to a person to stimulate an immune response to certain infections. Vaccination can involve different methods, such as the administration of live attenuated, killed, or recombinant pathogens.

Vaccination is a more general term that refers to the very act of administering a vaccine. Thus, immunization is part of the vaccination process.

In general, we can say that immunization is one of the steps of vaccination.

Are babies immunized after birth?

Yes, babies are immunized after birth!

Most countries have an immunization calendar that includes a number of mandatory and recommended vaccinations in the first few years of life.

For example, it is common to vaccinate in the first year of life against diseases such as:

  • Hepatitis B;

  • Whooping cough;

  • Diphtheria;

  • Tetanus;

  • Polio;

  • and others.

These immunizations help protect children from serious infections and help build their immune systems.

What immunization is given when a baby is born?

Hepatitis B vaccination is usually given at birth.

This immunization is given in the first 24 hours of life to protect the newborn from the hepatitis B virus, which can be transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids.

After this immunization, the vaccination calendar also includes other immunizations that come during the first months and years of a child's life.

How long after birth do babies get immunizations?

Vaccinations are given to children according to the national vaccination calendar, which may vary slightly from country to country. In general, the basic immunizations that are recommended in the first years of life include:

  1. Hepatitis B is the first immunization given within the first 24 hours after birth.

  2. Pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus (DPT) vaccinations are usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

  3. Polio is also done at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

  4. Haemophilus influenzae (Hib). This immunization is usually given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

  5. Vaccinations for pneumococcal infection are given at 2, 4, and 12-15 months of age.

  6. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations: usually at 12-15 months of age.

  7. Meningitis vaccines (ACWY and Meningitis B vaccine): usually at 3 and 5 months of age.

  8. Rotavirus vaccine: at 2, 4 and 6 months of age

This is a general plan and exact timelines may vary, so it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations and check with local health care providers for information.

What immunizations should parents of newborns get?

Parents of newborns are also advised to get a number of immunizations to protect themselves and their baby:

  1. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). It is especially important to get this vaccination if the parents have not been vaccinated or have no history of the disease.

  2. Flu. An annual immunization helps protect both parents and the newborn, especially during flu season.

  3. Tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap). It is recommended that you get this immunization 2-4 weeks before your baby is born, or right after if you have not had it in the last 10 years.

  4. Pertussis. Important to protect the newborn from whooping cough, especially if the parent is close to the child.

It is also important to monitor your overall health and vaccination compliance to protect not only yourself, but also your baby. Discuss all questions about vaccinations with your doctor!

When should children not be immunized?

Vaccinations for children may sometimes be delayed or not recommended in the following cases:

  • Allergies to vaccine components. If your child has a known allergy to one of the vaccine components (such as eggs or antibiotics).

  • A severe reaction to a previous vaccination. If you had a serious reaction after a previous vaccination (e.g., annaphylaxis).

  • Acute illness. If a child is sick with a high fever or has a serious infection, vaccination is usually delayed until he or she is well.

  • Immunodeficiency states. In diseases that can affect the immune system (e.g. HIV) or when using certain immunosuppressive drugs.

Before vaccination, it is always better to consult a doctor and get a referral for vaccination, so that the doctor can assess the child's health and give individual recommendations!

Can a three-month-old baby get a flu shot while breastfeeding?

Yes, the flu shot can be given to children 6 months of age and older and can be safely administered to breastfed babies.

However, flu vaccination is generally not recommended at three months of age, as vaccinations usually begin at 6 months of age.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about vaccinations for your child, it is best to talk to your pediatrician. Your doctor will be able to give you the most up-to-date information and recommendations based on your baby's individual characteristics.

Can I opt out of the vitamin K vaccination at birth?

More or less: parents have the right to refuse a vitamin K shot for a newborn, but this decision should be made in an informed manner and discussed with a pediatrician. The pediatrician is obligated to report this fact to the Brazilian authorities, who will investigate and, depending on the circumstances, prosecute the parents. Here are a few things to know about vitamin K immunization:

  1. Purpose of immunization. Vitamin K is needed to prevent hemorrhagic disease in newborns, which can lead to serious bleeding.

  2. Composition. The vaccine is usually administered in the first hours of a child's life and is considered safe and effective.

  3. Risks of refusal. Refusing vaccination may increase the risk of developing serious blood clotting problems. It is important to discuss the potential consequences with your doctor.

  4. Rules and recommendations. Some countries have certain guidelines and protocols regarding the administration of vitamin K, but the final decision rests with the parents.

In Brazil, as in all developed countries, vitamin K vaccination, usually administered to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic neonatal disease, is recommended and is part of standard medical care. However, parents may refuse this vaccination if they have justifiable reasons or medical contraindications.

Either way, you should discuss your concerns and information with a medical professional to make the best decision for your child.

What other immunizations can parents refuse to vaccinate their newborn?

Parents may consider refusing certain newborn immunizations based on personal beliefs, medical contraindications, or other reasons. Some of the vaccines that may be waived or delayed include:

  1. Rotavirus immunizations are usually available, but many parents choose to delay them.

  2. Vaccines for meningococcal disease. Although these vaccinations are recommended, some parents may decide not to give this vaccination at a very early age.

  3. Flu Vaccinations. Flu vaccination is often recommended but not required for newborns.

It is important to remember that the decision not to vaccinate should be made in conjunction with your doctor, taking into account the risks and benefits. Not vaccinating can increase the risk of serious infectious diseases.

Why is the BCG vaccine given at birth?

The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is given at birth for several important reasons:

  1. Tuberculosis prophylaxis. The BCG vaccine is designed to protect against tuberculosis, especially its severe forms, such as meningitis and generalized tuberculosis. This is especially important in countries with high incidence rates.

  2. Immune response. Giving the vaccine early in life helps build immune defenses in newborns when their immune systems are not fully developed. Getting the vaccine early can greatly reduce the risk of infections in the future.

  3. First weeks of life. Vaccination at birth provides protection in the first weeks of life, when babies are most vulnerable to infections.

  4. Immunity transmission. BCG vaccine can help newborns develop an immune response that protects them during the first few months of life, when they may be exposed to infection.

  5. Widespread availability. BCG vaccine is free in Brazil and is usually included in national vaccination programs, making it accessible to most newborns.

These factors make BCG vaccination an important part of preventive measures in the health care system.

Why "Mr. Vaccine" instead of MMR?

"Mr. Vaccine" is an interactive approach used in Brazilian Hospitals to explain the importance of vaccination to children and their parents. The main idea is to make information about vaccination more accessible and understandable, as well as more appealing.

Compared to "MMR" (which stands for combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine), there are several reasons why this approach may seem more appealing:

  • Play Form. "Mr. Vaccine" can be presented as a character who talks about vaccines and their importance, which can reduce children's fear and susceptibility.

  • Education through entertainment. Using a character, it is easier to convey information about vaccines in an accessible and fun way that can help parents better understand the need for vaccinations.

  • Animated and visual elements. The character can be part of cartoons or animations, which helps children to better absorb information.

  • Understandability. Characters like "Mr. Vaccine" make the concept of vaccination less abstract and more personal, which can help build positive attitudes toward vaccination.

In this way, Mr. Vaccine serves as a bridge between medical information and everyday life, making it an attractive tool in the vaccination field.

Take care of your newborn's health!

In Brazil, we boast one of the most advanced vaccination systems in the world! Our products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy, providing reliable protection for our babies.

Why is vaccination in Florianopolis, Brazil better than in many countries?

  • Accessibility and free of charge. Vaccines are available to all children, regardless of their social status. Every family can provide their child with the protection they need!

  • Variety of vaccines. We offer a wide range of vaccinations covering the major infectious diseases, ensuring your baby is fully protected.

  • Qualified professionals. The medical staff of our maternity hospitals in Florianopoli, are rigorously trained and skilled in modern techniques, ensuring a high level of safety for the procedure.

  • State-of-the-art technology. We use only high-quality vaccines that meet international standards, minimizing the risk of side effects.

  • Disease Prevention. Vaccination helps protect not only your child, but also the community at large by reducing the risk of spreading infectious diseases.

Brazilian Vaccination:

  1. Extensive vaccination schedule. The Brazilian health system offers a broader and more comprehensive vaccination schedule for pregnant women and newborns.

  2. Emphasis on prevention. Vaccination is an integral part of a maternal and child health program that improves overall health outcomes.

  3. Availability of vaccines. Vaccines are available and free of charge in many public health facilities, ensuring high coverage.

  4. Education and awareness. Active outreach to expectant mothers and families to inform them about the importance of vaccination.

Although some countries in the world and Brazil have implemented vaccination programs, differences may lie in vaccine availability, coverage, and approaches to public awareness. Programs in Brazil emphasize the importance of vaccination as a key element in controlling infections and improving maternal and child health.

It is not possible to describe all vaccination cases to answer all your questions, so we suggest you contact us for more in-depth answers to your questions. All preliminary consultations are completely free of charge and you are not obliged to anything. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us in the feedback form (link to the form, or the form below) or on WhatsApp (contact number), and our consultant will answer any question you may have.