Take the Infant Immunization Quiz

A pregnant woman passes on antibodies to those diseases she herself is immune to. Immunizations begin before natural immunity wears off.

The CDC recommends that this vaccine be given at birth and a second dose at age 1 to 2 months; please discuss with your child's health care provider to see whether a possible third dose is needed at age 6 months. This vaccine is especially important for infants who spend time in day-care centers or if the mother is hepatitis B positive, in which case the newborn is given both hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine.

Hib vaccine prevents Haemophilus influenzae, type B infections, which can cause meningitis, periorbital cellulitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis. The number of Hib meningitis cases have dropped dramatically since the vaccine was introduced. A meningococcal meningitis vaccine is also available for use in high school and college students.

A high fever, continual crying, or limp, listless behavior are signs of severe reaction that warrant a call to the doctor.

A mild illness, such as a cold with or without fever, shouldn't prevent immunization.

Today, the pertussis vaccine is acellular (the whole bacteria cell is not present) and is denoted as DTaP, a much safer form with minimal side effects.