Vaccination and Immunization
Newborn Health
Newborn Vaccination: Why Immunisation from Birth Is Essential for Your Baby’s Health
Ever wondered why vaccines are given so early in life? A newborn’s immune system is still developing and is not strong enough to fight serious infections on its own. Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting babies from life-threatening diseases during this vulnerable phase.
Did you know?
Babies start receiving protection even before birth. During pregnancy, mothers pass on antibodies—developed from their own vaccinations—to their babies, offering early immunity. Newborn vaccines then strengthen and extend this protection after birth.
Immunisation & Preventive Care
Building Strong Immunity in the Earliest Months of Life
Vaccines help the body build defence against dangerous diseases that once caused severe illness, disability, and even death in children. Diseases like polio, diphtheria, and tetanus were once widespread—but thanks to timely immunisation, they are now largely preventable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood vaccines protect against 30+ life-threatening diseases. In newborns, vaccines safeguard against serious infections such as Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis (TB), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Rotavirus, and more.
Vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your baby’s long-term health. Here’s how vaccines help:
1. Protection from Life-Threatening Diseases
Vaccines protect newborns from serious illnesses like polio, TB, hepatitis, and other infections that can be fatal or cause permanent damage in early life.
2. Builds a Strong Immune System
Since a baby’s immune system is still maturing, vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies, creating a strong defence against infections, flu, and preventable diseases.
3. Prevents the Spread of Diseases
Immunised babies help reduce the spread of infections in the community, protecting other children, vulnerable adults, and future generations.
4. Reduces the Risk of Long-Term Complications
Many preventable diseases can lead to lifelong disabilities such as paralysis, brain damage, hearing loss, or liver disease. Early vaccination significantly lowers these risks.
5. Reduces Dependence on Antibiotics
By preventing infections, vaccines reduce the need for antibiotics—helping combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
6. Cost-Effective & Preventive Care
Vaccination helps avoid expensive hospitalisation and long-term treatments, easing both emotional and financial stress for families.
In India, newborns are protected under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), a flagship initiative by the Government of India, supported by WHO and UNICEF. Vaccines are provided free of cost across both urban and rural areas.
Essential Vaccines Include:
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin): Protects against tuberculosis (TB)
- Hepatitis B: Prevents chronic liver infection
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Protects against poliovirus and paralysis
- DTaP / DTwP: Guards against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Prevents severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus
- MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella
| Vaccine | Age | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| BCG | 0–12 months | Prevents TB |
| Hepatitis B | 0–24 months | Prevents Hepatitis B |
| OPV (Polio) | At birth (0–15 days) | Protection against polio |
| OPV | 6, 10, 14 weeks (+ boosters) | Continued polio protection |
| IPV | 6 & 14 weeks | Additional polio protection |
| Rotavirus | 6, 10, 14 weeks | Prevents rotavirus diarrhoea |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine | 6 & 14 weeks, 9 months | Prevents pneumococcal infections |
| Measles–Rubella (MR) | 9–12 months | Protects against measles & rubella |
| Japanese Encephalitis | 9–12 months & booster | Prevents encephalitis |
Misinformation can lead to vaccine hesitancy. Let’s clear some common myths:
❌ Vaccines Cause Autism
There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism. This claim has been thoroughly debunked by global health authorities.
❌ Vaccines Overwhelm a Baby’s Immune System
Newborn vaccines are carefully designed to support—not overwhelm—the immune system.
❌ Delaying Vaccines Is Safe
Delaying vaccination leaves babies unprotected during their most fragile months, increasing the risk of serious infections.
❌ Natural Immunity Is Better
Natural immunity requires getting the disease—often with severe or life-threatening consequences. Vaccines provide safe immunity without the risks.
❌ Vaccines Contain Harmful Chemicals
Vaccine ingredients are present in extremely small, safe amounts and are rigorously tested and approved by international health authorities.
Newborn vaccination is a proven, safe, and effective way to protect your child from preventable diseases. Timely immunisation not only safeguards your baby today but also ensures a healthier future.
Diseases that can affect babies
Newborn Vaccination Schedule (India)
What We Offer
Complete Women’s Healthcare Services
A full spectrum of gynaecologic and maternity services delivered with clinical precision and personalized attention.
Maternity Care
Comprehensive antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care focused on the health of both mother and baby.
Womanhood Care
Personalized gynaecologic care supporting hormonal, menstrual, and reproductive health at every life stage.
Invasive Surgeries
Advanced surgical procedures designed for precision, safety, and faster recovery.