6-Month Baby Vaccination Schedule

Vaccine Chart and Parent Guide

At 6 months, your baby reaches another importantstage in their vaccination journey. Depending on the immunisation schedulefollowed and the vaccines already received, your baby may be due for ascheduled vaccine, a dose that continues a primary series or a vaccinerecommended from this age onwards.

Your paediatrician will review your baby’svaccination card, previous doses, age and health before confirming whichvaccines are due. Timely vaccination helps maintain protection as your babygrows, but the schedule may be individualised according to your baby’s needs.

Why is 6-Month Vaccination Important?

Vaccination continues to protect your baby as they grow and encounter different infections. Some vaccines require more than one dose because the recommended series helps build and maintain protection over time.

Following the recommended schedule helps your baby receive each dose at the appropriate time. Before giving the next vaccine, the paediatrician checks your baby’s previous vaccination records to confirm which doses have already been given and which may be due.

If a vaccine has been delayed or missed, do not panic. Contact your paediatrician for advice on a suitable catch-up schedule. In most cases, a delayed dose does not mean that the entire series must be restarted.

Vaccines That May Be Discussed Around 6 Months

The following vaccines may be relevant around this age. Your paediatrician will confirm whether a vaccine is due for your baby.

Influenza Vaccine

The influenza vaccine helps protect your baby against seasonal flu and its complications. Under the IAP schedule, influenza vaccination may begin from 6 months of age. Babies receiving it for the first time may require age-specific dosing and more than one dose. The paediatrician will advise the appropriate vaccine, dose and schedule for your baby.

DTwP/DTaP

DTwP or DTaP vaccines help protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. A dose around 6 months is not automatically due for every baby. It may be recommended if it forms part of your baby’s vaccination schedule or catch-up plan.

IPV/OPV

IPV and OPV help protect against polio, a serious disease that can affect the nervous system. Additional injectable or oral polio doses may be scheduled according to the immunisation programme followed and the doses your baby has already received.

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B vaccine helps protect your baby against Hepatitis B infection, which can affect the liver. Whether another dose is due around 6 months depends on the doses already given, the vaccine product and the schedule recommended by your paediatrician.

What Happens During the 6-Month Vaccination Visit?

During the visit, the paediatrician may:

• Assess your baby’s general health.
• Check weight, length and growth.
• Review the vaccination card and previous doses.
• Identify vaccines due at this visit.
• Discuss feeding, sleep or development, where appropriate.
• Explain the number of injections or oral vaccines, if applicable.
• Answer your questions and provide vaccination counselling.
• Observe your baby briefly after vaccination.

The visit is also an opportunity to discuss any missed doses, previous vaccine reactions or health concerns.

Are 6-Month Vaccines Safe?

Recommended vaccines undergo safety and quality evaluation before they are approved for use. Like other medicines, vaccines can sometimes cause side effects, but most reactions are mild and temporary. More serious reactions are rare.

Vaccines should be administered by trained healthcare professionals using properly stored and handled vaccine products. Before vaccination, inform the paediatrician if your baby has had a previous vaccine reaction, is currently unwell or has any known medical condition or allergy.

If you have concerns, discuss them with the paediatrician before vaccination.

Common Reactions After Vaccination

Your baby may experience mild reactions such as:

• Mild fever.
• Redness, pain or swelling at the injection site.
• Fussiness or irritability.
• Sleepiness.
• Temporary changes in feeding.
• Crying or discomfort for a short time after the injection.

These reactions are generally temporary and usually settle within a few days. Comfort your baby and monitor them after vaccination.

Contact your paediatrician if the symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening or causing concern. Seek urgent medical attention if your baby has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, a seizure, unusual drowsiness or any other serious symptom.

How to Comfort Your Baby After Vaccination

• Continue breastfeeding or feeding as advised by the paediatrician.
• Offer extra cuddles and reassurance.
• Keep your baby comfortable and adequately fed.
• Follow the paediatrician’s advice about medicines.
• Do not give medicines unless they have been recommended for your baby.
• Avoid unnecessary pressure, rubbing or massage over the injection site.
• Monitor your baby for any unusual or persistent symptoms.

A cool, damp cloth may help ease temporary redness or swelling at the injection site.