Immunisation of babies on the Neonatal Unit
This leaflet explains what vaccines are, why we vaccinate, and common questions parents/carers have about immunising their babies. We also will focus some information on premature babies because most of the babies on our neonatal unit are premature.
Why do vaccinations matter?
The infections we vaccinate against are very serious . These can be fatal and also cause lifelong disabilities. For several infections, a cure is not available. Vaccines help protect your baby by enabling their body to recognise and fight the bacteria or viruses causing these infections and stop your baby from being infected in the first place. This process is called ' immunisation '.
Why do vaccinations matter for premature babies?
Premature babies are more likely to catch all types of infections. Compared to babies born at term, premature babies are more likely to have severe infections, which are also more likely to be fatal. This remains true for at least the first 2 years of life. Premature babies are at even higher risk if they have conditions affecting their lungs, heart or brain. Because of this, it is important to ensure babies are given the best protection as early as possible. This means we strongly recommend vaccinating your baby.
What conditions do the vaccines protect against?
Different vaccines protect against different viruses or bacteria causing serious, life-threatening infections. The most common types of infection protected against are pneumonia, meningitis; we briefly explain these later in this leaflet. They also protect against some causes of diarrhoea and infections less commonly seen like pertussis (whooping cough), epiglottitis (a life-threatening swelling in the throat) and tetanus (a life-threatening condition affecting the muscles and breathing). For more information on the vaccines and conditions, see the 'further information' section at the end of this leaflet. A brief summary of the initial vaccines your baby receives with us (or your GP if you are discharged) is provided in the table below.
| Vaccine name | Infections protected against | When does your baby receive it? |
| Rotavirus | Gastroenteritis (Diarrhoea and vomiting) | 2 months old and 3 months old |
| 6-in-1 vaccine* | Meningitis, Pneumonia, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Epiglottitis, Tetanus, Polio | 2 months old and 3 months old |
| Men B | Meningitis | 2 months old |
| Pneumococcal | Meningitis and Pneumonia | 3 months old |
| * For more information on some of the rarer infections we protect against with the 6-in-1 vaccine, please use the information pages we recommend below in the 'Further Information' section. It protects against 6 different bacteria and viruses, some of which can cause multiple different types of infection. | ||
I am worried about the pain
This is very understandable especially as they are so small. Having vaccines is similar to having a blood test. In fact, it is far quicker and babies won't remember it. They are given paracetamol before and after thei r first vaccination s which will help with this . While giving the vaccine, we can also give your baby dilute sucrose (sugar) drops to help settle them. Cuddles and breastfeeding can also help soothe your baby.
I am worried about fevers that may happen afterwards
The fevers following vaccines are expected and normal. They are not dangerous. We g iv e your baby paracetamol before and after the first vaccin ations to help with this .
Can we not wait until my baby is older?
Because premature babies are more at risk of infection, it is better to protect them as early as possible. Waiting until your baby is older means leaving them unprotected against life-threatening infections for longer. Studies have shown that the vaccines we give are effective in premature babies. It is for this reason we treat premature babies according to their actual age and not using their 'corrected gestational' age like we do with most other aspects of their care. Are the combined vaccines too much for my baby?
The vaccines give either parts of a bacteria/virus, killed bacteria/viruses or very weakened viruses. They do not 'overload' the body and premature babies deal with them well. The combined vaccines mean we can protect babies against lots of serious conditions at once without needing to give them multiple injections. This way it is less upsetting for your baby. We also know babies are safe having multiple vaccines together.
Won't the mother's antibodies protect my baby?
It is true that antibodies from the mother do transfer to babies in the womb and give some protection against infection. We say a baby is preterm if they are born before 3 7 weeks . Most antibodies transfer from week 36 onwards during pregnancy. This means earlier your baby is born, the less antibody protection they will have. Another important point is that eventually your baby will lose their mother's antibodies and this will leave them unprotected. Most vaccines will protect your baby for life.
My baby has breastmilk . Won't this protect them?
Some protective antibodies are found in breastmilk but they do not protect well against serious infection. Any protection from breastmilk is temporary. When babies stop receiving breastmilk, they eventually lose its protection. Most vaccines will protect your baby for life.
Are there any reasons why my baby should not receive vaccines?
If there is a particular reason your baby cannot have vaccines your doctors will have spoken to you about this . It is very rare that doctors will advise you that it is not safe to give your baby vaccines as for most babies the benefits hugely outweigh the risks.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It is caused by multiple viruses and bacteria. It can be fatal. Long term problems of pneumonia can sometimes include lung damage (scarring) and breathing difficulties. The vaccines protect against 6 viruses/bacteria that can cause severe pneumonia.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection surrounding the brain. It can be fatal. Long term problems of meningitis include brain damage which can affect any part of the brain. The vaccines protect against 5 viruses/bacteria that can cause severe meningitis.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis is also known as 'whooping cough' or the ' 100 day cough'. It can cause lung damage, including making them collapse . It can also be fatal. Even with antibiotic treatment, people with pertussis can be coughing for months.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious virus that can be fatal. It has no cure and can cause severe brain damage. It also weakens the immune system, making other serious infections more likely. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and protects against measles. Your baby will be due the MMR vaccine when they are one year old and it is important they have an appointment with your GP to have this on time to protect them as soon as possible.
What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a virus that can be especially dangerous to premature babies, especially those with ongoing respiratory problems. Premature babies are more likely than term babies to be admitted to intensive care needing a ventilator due to flu. Flu can also be fatal. It is because of this, we strongly recommend your baby has their flu vaccine when offered it by the GP during flu season.