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Introduction
When a newborn enters the world, their immune system is still developing and vulnerable to a wide range of infections. One of the most effective ways to safeguard their health from the very beginning is on-time immunisation.
Immunisation is a powerful tool in preventing potentially life-threatening illnesses. At Momstory by Sahyadri Hospitals, our pediatric experts, who are renowned child specialist in Pune, ensure that your baby receives timely and safe vaccinations tailored to their birth weight and gestational age.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about newborn immunisation, including the difference in approach between term and preterm infants, and what special precautions are taken in NICU cases.
Why Immunisation from Birth Is Crucial?
Vaccination is not only about preventing illness, it’s about providing your child a healthy start in life. According to the UNICEF Childhood Immunisation Campaign, immunisation is the cornerstone of primary healthcare and is essential for control, elimination and eradication of infectious diseases.
Infants, especially in their first few months, are highly susceptible to diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and polio. These diseases can have serious complications, but timely immunisation can drastically reduce the risk.
Furthermore, early immunisation also contributes to herd immunity, which protects babies who are too young to be vaccinated by reducing the spread of disease in the community.
Immunisation for Term Healthy Neonates
For full-term babies with healthy birth weights, the immunisation schedule begins immediately after birth. Here are the key vaccines administered:
1. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine
- Purpose: To protect against severe forms of tuberculosis, especially miliary TB and TB meningitis.
- Type: Live-attenuated vaccine.
- Dosage: 0.1 ml of reconstituted vaccine, given intradermally (just under the skin).
- Timing: Given at birth or as soon as possible after birth.
2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – Zero Dose
- Purpose: To prevent poliomyelitis (polio), a debilitating viral disease.
- Type: Live attenuated virus vaccine.
- Dosage: Two oral drops (~0.1 ml).
- Current Version: Bivalent OPV (types 1 and 3) has replaced trivalent OPV following global eradication efforts.
3. Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)
- Purpose: To prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B.
- Dosage: 0.5 ml, given intramuscularly.
- Eligibility & Timing:
- For babies born toHBsAg-negative mothers and weighing over 2 kg: the first dose is administered within the first 24 hours of life.
- For babies born toHBsAg-positive mothers: the vaccine is administered at birth regardless of weight or gestational age.
These vaccines offer essential protection in the early days of life, building the foundation for future doses and full immunisation.
Immunisation for Preterm Neonates
Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) or those with low birth weights may require adjustments in the immunisation schedule. However, as per pediatric guidelines, clinically stable preterm neonates should follow the same vaccination schedule as term infants.
1. BCG Vaccine
- For preterm infants >34 weeks: Can be administered soon after birth.
- For preterm infants <34 weeks: BCG is delayed until the baby reaches 34 weeks corrected age.
2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
- Zero doseis given to preterm infants similarly to full-term infants.
3. Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)
- For babies<2 kg and born to HBsAg-negative mothers: the HBV vaccine is typically delayed until 30 days of chronological age or until the baby is clinically stable for discharge.
- For babies born toHBsAg-positive mothers: the HBV vaccine is given immediately at birth, irrespective of gestational age or weight.
Preterm infants are more vulnerable to infections, and their immunisation needs to be handled with extra caution under the guidance of a child doctor in Pune who has experience with NICU patients and premature newborns.
Special Immunoglobulin Protection for Newborns
In some cases, standard vaccines need to be supplemented with specific hyperimmunoglobulins, especially when there’s a risk of transmission from mother to child.
1. Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG)
- Purpose: Provides passive immunity for babies born to hepatitis B-positive mothers.
- Dosage: 0.5 ml IM (intramuscular), given within 12 hours of birth.
- HBIG is administered along with the hepatitis B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Varicella Zoster Immunoglobulin (VZIG)
- Purpose: Protects the newborn if the mother develops chickenpox (Varicella) close to the time of delivery.
- Eligibility: If maternal chickenpox starts within 5 days before delivery or within 2 days after.
- Dosage: 125 IU IM within 96 hours of exposure.
- Alternative: If VZIG is not available, IVIg (400 mg/kg) may be administered as it contains anti-varicella antibodies.
These immunoglobulins are lifesaving interventions that offer short-term but immediate protection in critical scenarios.
Expert Pediatric Care at Momstory by Sahyadri Hospitals
At Momstory by Sahyadri Hospitals, we understand that every child is unique. That’s why we provide personalised immunisation planning for both term and preterm babies. Our doctors are regarded as one of the best pediatricians in Pune, leads our pediatric team with deep expertise and compassionate care.
We don’t just offer vaccines, we offer complete guidance to new parents, addressing questions like:
- What if my baby was born early?
- Can we vaccinate while still in the NICU?
- What are the side effects to expect?
Whether you’re searching for the best child hospital in Pune or simply need a reliable child doctor in Pune to guide you through the immunisation schedule, Momstory is here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose Momstory?
- Team of experienced pediatricians and neonatologists
- NICU-trained staff for handling preterm vaccinations
- Holistic care for mother and baby
- Trusted by families across Pune
- Located in a fully equipped, modern facility
Your baby’s health journey deserves the best start, and that starts with the right immunisation, at the right time, with the right expert.
Conclusion: Timely Immunisation Saves Lives
Immunisation is not just a one-time responsibility, it is a continuous journey that starts at birth. Delays can increase the risk of infections that are otherwise preventable. By adhering to a proper vaccination schedule, you are investing in your child’s long-term health.
Book a consultation with the best child specialist in Pune at Momstory, the best pediatric hospital in Pune, and ensure your child is protected from the very beginning.
