Vaccinating your baby (2-4 months)

When should I vaccinate my baby?

By 2 months, your baby is expected to have had their 6-week vaccinations and at 4 months your baby is due for their third dose of vaccinations.

Find out when you need to vaccinate your baby

Important things to know

• The schedule for your baby's vaccinations is in their Personal Health Record Book.
• Always bring your baby’s Personal Health Record book to all their health checks and medical appointments. This will allow their health history, including vaccinations, to be kept up to date.
• Try to vaccinate your baby on the scheduled dates (or as close to them as possible). Even if your baby has a little cold, they can still get their shots.
• There is an app called Save The Date To Vaccinate that reminds you when your baby needs to get their vaccinations.

Helping your baby manage pain during their vaccination injections

• You can ask the doctor or nurse to give your baby the vaccination that might hurt the most at the end of the appointment.
• Hold your baby while they get their vaccination and talk to them in a calm way. Breastfeeding them can also calm them.
• Ask the nurse or doctor if they have a cream that can numb the skin before they give the vaccination.

Common side effects from vaccinations

Sometimes after a shot, your baby might:

• get a little fever (a temperature over 38.5°C)
• have a red or swollen spot where the needle went in
• feel unsettled or sleepy.

What to do if your baby feels unwell after a vaccination

• Offer them extra breastmilk, formula or water to drink.
• If they are hot, do not put too many clothes on them.
• Put a cool cloth on the sore spot to ease the pain.
• If they have pain or a fever, you can give them medicine like paracetamol. Always read the label or speak with your pharmacist.