- With Mayo Clinic emeritus consultant
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Jay Hoecker, M.D.
Dr. Jay Hoecker, an emeritus member of the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, brings valuable expertise to health information content on primary care pediatrics. He has a particular interest in infectious diseases of children.
He's a Fort Worth, Texas, native, certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was trained at Washington University's St. Louis Children's Hospital, and in infectious diseases at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1989.
"The World Wide Web is revolutionizing the availability and distribution of information, including health information about children and families," Dr. Hoecker says. "The evolution of the Web has included greater safety, privacy and accuracy over time, making the quality and access to children's health information immediate, practical and useful. I am happy to be a part of this service to patients from a trusted name in medicine, to use and foster all the good the Web has to offer children and their families."
Infant and toddler health (6)
- Flu shots for kids: Does my child need a flu shot?
- Baby Einstein DVDs: Good for infant development?
- Vaccination schedule: Why so many so fast?
- see all in Infant and toddler health
Newborn health (8)
- Newborn sleep: Should I wake my baby for feedings?
- Uncircumcised penis: Is special care needed?
- Baby poop: What's normal?
- see all in Newborn health
Infant health (19)
- Breast-feeding and alcohol: Is it OK to drink?
- Karo syrup for constipation: OK for babies?
- Breast-feeding strike: Why do babies refuse to nurse?
- see all in Infant health
Toddler health (5)
- Discolored baby teeth: A cause for concern?
- Terrible twos: Why are 2-year-olds so difficult?
- Toddler speech development: Are 2-year-olds understandable?
- see all in Toddler health
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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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- 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.
- 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.
- Newborns and vaccines. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Newborns-and-Vaccines.aspx. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, et al. Increasing immunization coverage. Pediatrics. 2010;125:1295.
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