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Question

Vaccination schedule: Why so many so fast?

I'm concerned about my newborn's vaccination schedule. Why do infants need so many vaccines so quickly?

Answer

from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

Newborns need multiple vaccines because infectious diseases can cause more-serious problems in infants than in older children.

While maternal antibodies help protect newborns from many diseases, this immunity may begin to disappear as quickly as one month after birth. In addition, children don't receive maternal immunity from certain diseases, such as whooping cough. If a child isn't vaccinated and is exposed to a disease, he or she may become sick and spread the illness.

Avoid altering your child's recommended vaccination schedule. Research shows that it's safe for infants and young children to receive multiple vaccines at the same time, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccination schedule.

Remember, newborns and young children can be exposed to diseases from family members, care providers and other close contacts, as well as during routine outings — such as trips to the grocery store. Many vaccines can be given even if your child has a mild illness, such as a cold, earache or mild fever. Consult your child's doctor regularly to keep your child's vaccination status up to date.

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References
  1. Multiple vaccinations at one time. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Multiple-Vaccinations-at-One-Time.aspx. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
  2. How safe are vaccines? American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/How-Safe-are-Vaccines.aspx. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
  3. Newborns and vaccines. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Newborns-and-Vaccines.aspx. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
  4. Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 6 years — United States, 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2010/10_0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
  5. How vaccines prevent disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2010/10_0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
  6. Common questions parents ask about infant immunizations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/infants/parent-questions.htm. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
  7. Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, et al. Increasing immunization coverage. Pediatrics. 2010;125:1295.
AN02136 March 16, 2011

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