Babies are usually scheduled to receive vaccinations at their 2-month wellness check. This article discusses recommended vaccinations, possible side effects, and how to comfort infants during and after their appointment.
2-month Vaccinations
While babies are born with a fairly strong immune system, there are some diseases that can be severe and are hard to fight on their own. Vaccinations are given to help their immune system prevent these diseases.
Smiling and cooingBringing their hands to their mouthBrief periods of calming themselvesPaying more attention to facesTurning their head towards soundsBeginning to act bored (gets fussy if an activity doesn’t change)Holding their head up during tummy time
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an immunization schedule that includes six vaccinations for 2-month old babies.
Most vaccinations are given as a shot. However, the rotavirus vaccine (RV) is given by mouth through liquid drops.
Comforting Your Baby
During the appointment, you can help your baby by:
InnoculationInjectionShotVaccineImmunization
Holding themDistracting them with toys or singingSmiling and whispering reassuring words
After the appointment, you can comfort your baby by:
Breastfeeding or bottle-feedingOffering a pacifierSwaddling with their favorite blanketGiving them Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed for pain
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)
The DTaP vaccination is given in five doses. The first dose begins at 2-months and the final at 4-6 years old. DTaP helps prevent the following diseases:
Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (whooping cough)
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is often confused with seasonal influenza (flu) because of their similar names. However, these are two different diseases. Seasonal influenza is a virus, while Hib is a bacteria that can cause:
Meningitis Pneumonia (lung infection) Sepsis (bloodstream infection) Epiglottitis (swelling in the upper airway or windpipe)
Polio Vaccine (IPV)
In the late 1940s, polio was a highly feared disease that caused paralysis. After polio vaccinations, infections in the U.S. decreased dramatically.
Children in the U.S. get a shot called an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Other countries may use an oral polio vaccine (OPV).
IPV is given over four doses at the following ages:
2 months4 months6-18 months4-6 years
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against a bacterial infection that causes ear or sinus infections, meningitis, and pneumonia.
The PCV vaccine is given in four doses at the following ages:
2 months4 months 6 months12-15 months
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a potentially serious viral infection that causes damage to the liver. It is passed through body fluids or from mother to baby. The hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) is given in three doses at the following ages:
Shortly after birth1-2 months 6-18 months
Rotavirus (RV)
Rotavirus (RV) is a gastrointestinal virus that causes stomach pain, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration (loss of fluid). The RV vaccination is given as drops in the mouth.
There are two brands of this vaccine. One brand is given at 2- and 4-months-old. The other brand includes a third dose given at 6-months-old.
Side Effects
If babies experience side effects after vaccines they are usually mild.
The most common side effects include:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the shot Low-grade fever (100-102 degrees or lower)
Less common side effects include:
Fussiness or irritabilityLoss of appetiteDiarrhea or vomiting
What to Do If Your Baby Has Side Effects
To help minimize mild reactions, you can try the following:
A cool cloth to reduce redness and swelling A room temperature sponge bath for low-grade fevers Feed your baby more often for comfort and hydration Give Tylenol (acetaminophen) if approved by your pediatrician
When to Contact the Pediatrician
If your baby has any of the following symptoms, contact their healthcare provider:
Fever greater than 104 degreesRedness at the shot site larger than 1 inch or lasting longer than three daysHigh-pitched crying lasting over one hourNonstop crying for three hours or moreFussiness for more than three days Severe vomiting or diarrhea
When to Call 911
If you think your infant is having a life-threatening emergency or any of the following rare reactions, call 911 immediately:
Trouble breathing Trouble swallowing Lethargy (not moving or very weak) Not waking up Seizures
Summary
Vaccinations are usually given at an infant’s 2-month wellness visit to help protect them from preventable diseases. You can help comfort your baby by holding them and offering them their favorite blanket, pacifier, or toy. Vaccination side effects are generally mild and can be treated at home to ease any discomfort.
A Word From Verywell
Parents are often concerned about their infants having reactions to vaccinations. While mild reactions to vaccinations may occur, severe reactions are very rare. Don’t be shy about talking to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Overall, the benefits of vaccinations (and being vaccinated early in life) far outweigh the risks.
