Newborn vaccines: Which are mandatory and the side effects

Welcome to Newborn Tips! Today we are going to tackle a fundamental topic for the health of the little ones: newborn vaccines. In this article we will find out why they are so important, which vaccinations are recommended in the first months of life and we will dispel some common myths. Stay with us until the end to get all the information you need to best protect your baby!

Table of contents

What are the first vaccines given to newborns?

In the early stages of life, newborns receive a series of essential vaccines to protect them from potentially serious diseases.

Below is a list of the main newborn vaccines administered in the first months:

✅️ 1st Month: Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV). Protects against hepatitis B, a viral disease that affects the liver.

✅️ 2nd-3rd Month (first cycle of hexavalent and pneumococcal vaccinations):

Hexavalent vaccine. Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B and Hepatitis B
Anti-Pneumococcal vaccine. Protects against serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis
Anti-Rotavirus vaccine (oral). Against rotavirus, the main cause of severe gastroenteritis in newborns

✅️ 4th-5th Month (booster):

Second dose of the Hexavalent vaccine
Second dose of the anti-Pneumococcus vaccine
Second dose of the anti-Rotavirus vaccine (if required)

These neonatal vaccinations are essential to build the newborn’s first immune defenses and protect him from dangerous diseases.

Which vaccines are mandatory for newborns?

In Italy, mandatory vaccines for newborns are established by the National Vaccination Prevention Plan (PNPV) and are essential to prevent serious diseases.

Currently, the mandatory vaccines in the neonatal period are the following:

Hexavalent (6 diseases in a single administration)

The hexavalent vaccine is a combined vaccine that protects newborns from six infectious diseases with a single administration. The diseases covered are:

Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause serious respiratory and cardiac problems.

Tetanus: Caused by a bacterium that enters the body through wounds and causes severe muscle spasms.

Pertussis (whooping cough): A highly contagious respiratory infection that can be dangerous in newborns.

Polio: A viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis.

Hepatitis B: A liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, which can become chronic.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): A bacterium that can cause meningitis and other serious infections in young children.

It is part of the mandatory vaccination schedule for children in Italy and is given to newborns in three doses, namely:

First dose: around 2 months of age
Second dose: at 4 months
Third dose: at 11 months

In short, this newborn vaccine is essential to protect infants from dangerous diseases in a safe and effective way.

Pneumococcal vaccine

It is particularly important in newborns and young children because their immune system is still developing and they are more vulnerable to infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, responsible for serious diseases, including: Pneumonia, Meningitis, Sepsis (blood infection), Otitis media and Sinusitis.

In Italy, it is administered in the first months of life as part of the mandatory vaccination schedule for children.

Meningococcus B vaccine

It protects newborns from infections caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis of serogroup B, responsible for meningitis and meningococcal sepsis.

Since meningococcal meningitis is a serious disease that can cause permanent neurological damage or be fatal in a few hours, newborns and young children are particularly vulnerable, so vaccination is essential for prevention.

In this way, this newborn vaccine is recommended and free for infants and is administered with the following schedule:

First dose: 2-3 months of life
Second dose: 4-5 months
Third dose (booster): 12-15 months

On the other hand, the most common side effects of the Meningococcus vaccine are mild and include fever, swelling and pain at the injection site, irritability and loss of appetite. Considering that this vaccine is an important measure of protection against a disease that can have very serious consequences.

To get back to the point, the newborn vaccines we just talked about are free and mandatory for enrollment in school and nursery schools, except for exemptions for certified medical reasons.

In addition to the mandatory newborn vaccines, the Ministry of Health also recommends the anti-Rotavirus vaccine, although it is not mandatory.

When do newborns start getting vaccinated?

In reality, vaccines for newborns generally start from the 2nd month of life. However, the hepatitis B vaccine can be administered at birth in some specific cases.

Main timing of the first vaccines:

At birth: Hepatitis B vaccine (only if the mother is positive for the virus)
From the 2nd month: First dose of Hexavalent, Pneumococcus and, if foreseen, Rotavirus (oral)
From the 3rd month: First dose of Meningococcus B

In any case, newborn vaccinations follow a very precise calendar to ensure maximum protection in the first phase of life, when the infant’s immune system is still developing.

Newborn vaccination letter when does it arrive?

The letter of invitation for newborn vaccinations is generally sent by the ASL (Local Health Authority) of reference within the second month of the child’s life.

Usually the ASL vaccination letter arrives by post or by e-mail (PEC or SPID). It is sent between the 1st and 2nd month of the newborn’s life, with the indication of the appointment for the first vaccination. It contains: the date, time and place of the vaccination, as well as information on the vaccines to be administered.

What to do if the letter does not arrive?

If you do not receive the letter within the 2nd month of life, it is recommended to follow the instructions below:

Contact the Vaccination Center of the competent ASL
Check the Electronic Health Record (FSE) of the Region
Ask the general practitioner for information

In particular, newborn vaccines are free and mandatory, so even without a letter it is possible to book the appointment directly.

Newborn vaccine pros and cons

As mentioned above, newborn vaccines are a fundamental measure to protect children from serious diseases, but like any medical treatment, they can have advantages and some side effects, and we will talk about this in the following lines.

✅ Pros (Advantages of Neonatal Vaccines)

Protection against serious diseases: Prevention of dangerous infections such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, meningitis and pneumonia.

Reduction of infant mortality: Newborn vaccines save millions of lives every year.

Herd immunity: They also protect children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Mandatory and free: They guarantee access to all and are necessary for school enrollment.

Control and safety: Child vaccines are constantly tested and monitored by health authorities.

⚠️ Cons (Possible Side Effects of Newborn Vaccines)

Mild and temporary reactions: Fever, redness or swelling at the injection site.

Allergic reactions (rare): In exceptional cases, severe allergic reactions may occur.

Doubts about additives and preservatives: Some parents are concerned about the presence of substances in vaccines, but studies show that they are safe.

Anxiety and worry: Some parents fear long-term effects, even though there is no scientific evidence of harm caused by vaccines.

In short, the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks, and side effects are generally mild and temporary. In addition, vaccinations are important for the health of the newborn and for the protection of the entire community.

How long does vaccine fever last in a newborn?

After a vaccine, a newborn can develop a fever usually within 24-48 hours of administration. Fever is a normal reaction of the immune system and usually lasts 1 to 2 days.

When to worry?

Mild fever (<38.5°C): Normal, can be managed with paracetamol (only if recommended by your pediatrician) High fever (>39°C) or persisting for more than 48 hours: Contact your pediatrician immediately.
Other worrying symptoms: Excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing or severe irritability require medical attention
If your baby has a fever after a vaccine, it is important to monitor him or her and keep him or her hydrated.

How long do the side effects of a baby vaccine last?

In truth, side effects of vaccines in newborns are generally mild and temporary, lasting an average of 1-3 days.

The following lines specify the duration of the main effects of newborn vaccines:

Fever: It can appear within 24-48 hours and usually lasts 1-2 days
Redness/swelling at the injection site: It can last 2-3 days
Irritability and drowsiness: They usually disappear within 24-48 hours
Gastrointestinal disorders (for the anti-Rotavirus vaccine): Possible sporadic episodes of diarrhea or vomiting

Overall, most of the mandatory vaccine effects resolve spontaneously without the need for special treatment, but if you have any doubts it is always better to consult your pediatrician.

Finally, the information provided in this article on newborn vaccines is purely for informational purposes and does not in any way replace the opinion of a doctor. Before making any decision regarding the health of your newborn, we invite you to consult your trusted pediatrician, who will be able to provide you with personalized and updated indications based on the specific needs of the child.

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Staff