Newborn Vaccines: Understanding The Cost Of Essential Protection

Vaccines are crucial for your baby's health and safety, offering protection from dangerous diseases. In their first two years, newborns receive vaccinations to safeguard them from 14 serious illnesses. The cost of these vaccines varies depending on location, the type of vaccine, and the baby's health condition. The CDC recommends a vaccination schedule that includes Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Pneumococcal disease, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Polio, and Rotavirus vaccines. These vaccines are generally safe and effective, with mild and temporary side effects like soreness, fever, or swelling at the injection site.

2-Month Newborn Vaccines

Hepatitis B (HepB) booster

The Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The HepB vaccine is also known as the first "anti-cancer" vaccine because hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide.

The HepB vaccine is recommended for all newborns and is typically administered within 24 hours of birth. This first dose is often referred to as the "'birth dose'". The second dose is typically given at one month after birth, and the third dose is given at six months after birth. This timing may vary depending on country-specific recommendations and the infant's health status.

In the case of infants born to mothers with hepatitis B, it is crucial that the baby receives the first dose of the HepB vaccine within 12 hours of birth, along with a shot of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to provide immediate protection against the virus. If the infant has a low birth weight (less than 2000 grams or 4 pounds, 7 ounces), they will receive the three routine doses starting at one month of age, for a total of four doses.

For infants born to mothers without hepatitis B, the HepB vaccine can be administered within 24 hours after birth. If the infant has a low birth weight, they will receive the first dose at one month of age or when discharged from the hospital, whichever comes first, for a total of three doses.

The cost of the HepB vaccine may vary depending on location and healthcare provider, but it is generally accessible through doctors' offices, local health departments, or clinics.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)

The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious bacterial infections: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is recommended that children receive five doses of the DTaP vaccine, with the first dose being administered when the child is 2 months old.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a very contagious infection that causes a sore throat, fever, weakness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to heart and nerve damage and even death. The infection spreads from person to person.

Tetanus

Tetanus, also known as "lockjaw," is an infection that affects the nerves and muscles, causing painful muscle spasms. It can enter the body through cuts or wounds and can lead to serious health problems such as an inability to open the mouth, trouble swallowing and breathing, and even death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a respiratory infection that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing, making it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. It often starts like an ordinary cold but then leads to intense coughing spells. The characteristic "whoop" noise is heard when a person tries to take a breath after coughing. Pertussis can be extremely serious, especially in babies and young children, and can cause pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or even death. In teens and adults, it can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing.

DTaP Vaccine

The DTaP vaccine is given as a series of five shots, with the first dose typically administered when the child is 2 months old. The subsequent doses are usually given at 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. The vaccine is safe and effective, and side effects are generally mild, including soreness or swelling at the injection site, fever, fussiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. More serious side effects are rare but may include seizures, non-stop crying for 3 hours or more, or a high fever.

The DTaP vaccine is crucial in preventing serious illnesses caused by diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It helps protect children from these harmful diseases and prevents the spread of infections to others.

Pneumococcal disease (PCV13)

Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your baby from harmful diseases. Pneumococcal disease, caused by pneumococcus, a type of bacteria, can lead to various infections such as ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children under the age of five and adults aged 50 or older. Additionally, children aged 5 to 18 with certain risk factors should also be vaccinated.

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is one of two types of pneumococcal vaccines used in the United States, the other being the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The CDC recommends a routine four-dose series of PCV15 or PCV20 for infants and children under five, with one dose administered at each of the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12 to 15 months

It is important to follow the recommended immunization schedule to ensure your child receives the necessary protection against pneumococcal disease. The timing of vaccinations is chosen by experts based on when your child's immune system will respond best and when they face the greatest risk of catching the disease.

Most side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine are typically mild and go away on their own within a few days. These may include redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness at the injection site, and fussiness in young children. Serious reactions are rare but possible.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

The Hib vaccine is highly effective in preventing Hib disease and has been introduced in many countries, regardless of their development level and economic status. The vaccine is usually given in 3 or 4 doses, with the first dose administered at 2 months of age and the last dose at 12-15 months of age. In some cases, children between 12 months and 5 years of age who have not been fully vaccinated may need additional doses.

The cost of the Hib vaccine varies depending on the region. In mainland China, the cost of 4 doses of the Hib single-component vaccine can be as high as US$40, which is unaffordable for many parents. On the other hand, the average price of the Hib vaccine in the United States is US$10 per dose.

The introduction of the Hib vaccine has led to a significant reduction in Hib disease cases. The vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for inclusion in national immunization programs. However, as with any vaccine, there is a very small risk of a severe allergic reaction or other serious injury.

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

IPV contains a killed (inactivated) form of the poliovirus, which means it cannot cause polio. It is administered by intramuscular or intradermal injection and must be given by a trained health worker. The vaccine triggers an excellent protective immune response in most people, producing antibodies in the blood to all three types of poliovirus. These antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the central nervous system and protect against paralysis in the event of infection.

While IPV is more expensive and requires trained health workers to administer, it carries no risk of vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP). This is because it is not a live vaccine, unlike the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) which is given by mouth as a liquid. OPV has a rare risk of causing polio if it spreads and mutates into a stronger version in a community. However, OPV is still used in countries with a high risk of poliovirus infection as it is cheap, easy to administer, and can create immunity in the intestines.

The typical schedule for IPV is a series of three doses, starting at 2 months old, followed by two booster shots at appropriate intervals. Sometimes, IPV is given in combination with other vaccines, such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). This means a child might receive a fifth dose of IPV, which is safe.

Mild side effects from IPV may include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as a fever. These side effects typically go away on their own and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol. It is recommended to sit for 15 minutes after vaccination to avoid fainting, which is a potential side effect of any vaccine. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur, and medical advice should be sought if symptoms such as swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, or itchy skin rashes appear.

Frequently asked questions