At your baby’s 2-month checkup, he’ll receive his first full set of vaccinations against multiple childhood diseases, including polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, H. influenza, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease and an oral vaccine for rotavirus, once a major cause of diarrhea and dehydration in children under 5.

With 2 types of vaccine against rotavirus (stomach flu) now available for infants, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations that allow for more flexibility in dosing.

The Rotarix vaccine, introduced in 2008, is active against a single strain of the virus and is given in 2 doses, ideally at 2 and 4 months. The CDC notes that the first dose may be given up to the age of almost 15 weeks  and the second dose up to 8 months.

The RotaTeq vaccine, which is active against 5 strains of the virus, still requires 3 doses, given at 2, 4 and 6 months.

Ask your pediatrician for more details about these 2 vaccines and others that your baby will receive. 

The 2-month checkup usually involves 3 shots given in the thigh, which is a baby’s biggest muscle. While most babies show no side effects, these vaccines can cause a little fussiness or a slight fever later in the day or evening.

Your baby will receive more doses of vaccines at 4, 6, 12, 15 and 18 months, with another set of booster shots between his 4th and 6th birthdays. Keep a record of your baby’s vaccinations to be sure that none are missed. Outbreaks of measles and whooping cough and other dangerous diseases still occur. 

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.

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