A
pregnant woman passes on antibodies to those diseases she herself is immune to.
This
natural immunity lasts for a very short time. And women can't pass on immunity
to
all vaccinated diseases. So vaccines need to begin before natural immunity wears
off
and to protect a baby from all vaccine-preventable illnesses.

The CDC
recommends this 3-dose vaccine be given at birth. Then a second dose at age 1
to 2
months, and the third dose between 6 and 18 months. This vaccine is especially
important for babies who spend time in daycare 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,
pneumonia, and epiglottitis. The number of Hib meningitis cases have dropped dramatically
since the vaccine was introduced. A meningococcal meningitis vaccine is also available,
starting at age 11 or 12, to protect against another kind of meningitis.

About 1
in 4 children will have swelling or soreness at the injection site or a low-grade
fever. High fever, continual crying, or limp, listless behavior is rare. Any of
these is a sign of severe reaction that warrants a call to 911 or the
healthcare provider .

A baby
should not get this vaccine if the child had a serious allergic reaction or
encephalopathy after a vaccine given earlier. A mild illness, such as a cold with
or
without fever, shouldn't prevent immunization.

Today,
the pertussis vaccine is acellular. This means the entire bacteria cell is not
present. The vaccine is denoted as DTaP, a much safer form with minimal side
effects.