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

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.

Age	Shots needed
Birth to two months	Hep B
1 to 4 months	Hep B
2 months	DTaP, Hib, Polio
4 months	DTaP, Hib, Polio
6 months	DTaP, Hib, Hep B
12 months	MMR, Hib, Polio, Chickenpox
15 months	DTaP

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

NC Family Health Resource Line

Information and Support Within Your Reach

Find out more about ,
NC Family Health Resource Line
or call
Monday - Friday
8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
closed holidays
TTY for the hearing impaired:
1-800-976-1922

Services in English and Spanish

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

For more health information, search MedlinePlus

Last updated: August 2007

More Info

See How We Grow
Flip chart telling what to expect during baby's first year of life
PDF version (247 KB)*
Plain text version

Back to Sleep information sheet
How to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS
PDF version (344 KB)*
Plain text version

Back to Sleep flyer/fotonovela
Mom explains to grandma why babies should be on their backs when they sleep. Share with family members and caregivers.
PDF version (297 KB)*
Plain text version

Baby's Safe Sleep poster
Steps to follow to safely put a baby to bed
PDF version (72 KB)*
Plain text version

Keeping Baby Safe at Home
Safe sleep tips for babies from Neonatal Intensive Care Units
PDF version (161 KB)*
Plain text version

Oh Baby! We want to keep you safe from secondhand smoke
Tips for dealing with secondhand smoke
PDF version (247 KB)*
Plain text version

Get Real! Secondhand Smoke Matters
Teen parents help others deal with secondhand smoke
PDF version (380 KB)*
Plain text version

When SIDS Happens
Guide for families who have lost a child to SIDS
PDF version (114 KB)*
Plain text version

Taking Care of Me
This self-help guide gives postpartum women practical health tips on emotional health, stress, nutrition, exercise, family planning and reproductive health, and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
PDF version (488 KB)*
Plain text version

Does Your Child Have Health Insurance?
Fact sheet for Health Check/NC Health Choice
PDF version (103 KB)*
Plain text version

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