Baby's Care and Development
Check-ups and shots (immunizations)

News: Suspension of Rotarix Rotavirus Vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced a temporary suspension of Rotarix brand rotavirus vaccine. The vaccine is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is used to prevent rotavirus vaccine, which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. The FDA recently learned that components of an extraneous virus have been found in Rotarix vaccine. However, according to the FDA, "there is no evidence at this time that this finding poses a safety risk." As a precautionary measure, FDA and CDC suspended use of the vaccine temporarily while they learn more about the situation. Access to the CDC Health Advisory on the temporary suspension of Rotarix vaccine, or more information from the FDA on the suspension.

Check-ups

An important part of keeping your baby healthy is taking him to a pediatrician for "well baby" check-ups. At each visit the doctor will weigh and measure your baby to make sure he is growing at a healthy rate, check his eyesight and hearing, and talk to you about his behavior. These visits also give you a chance to ask any questions you might have about your baby's development.

A doctor should see your baby when your baby is:

• Within the first month
• Two months old
• Four months old
• Six months old
• Nine or fifteen months old
• 12 months old

Shots (Immunizations)

Your baby will need the following shots during the first 15 months of life:

• Hep B: Protects against hepatitis B, a serious liver disease
• DTaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Hib: Protects against haemophilus influenza type b
• Polio: Protects against polio. This vaccine is given as a shot (inactivated vaccine called IPV).
• MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles)
• Chickenpox: Varicella zoster vaccine protects against chickenpox

Use the chart as a guide for when your baby should get his shots. Shots can usually be given even if your baby has a cold or is sick on the day of the visit. Your doctor will determine a specific schedule for your child.

All babies should be immunized. Immunizations are required to attend child care and school. If you don't have a pediatrician, call your local health department. They usually give shots to children (at no or low cost) or can help you find a clinic that provides shots.

Other Links

North Carolina

Period of PURPLE Crying Program web site designed to help parents understand this time in their baby’s life, which is a normal part of every infant’s development.

WIC Program Breastfeeding and Support WIC strives to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding among women enrolled in the Program.

Carolinas Poison Center - 1-800-222-1222

National

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Last updated: April 2010