5 Reasons to Vaccinate Your Newborn

5 Reasons to Vaccinate Your Newborn

1. Vaccines are a reliable way to prevent diseases that were once deadly. They expose your baby to a very small amount of weak or dead germs and viruses so their immune system can build up resources to fight them in the future. Without vaccinations, your baby is at greater risk for diseases like polio, measles and mumps.
2. Newborn babies have vulnerable immune systems. They need the additional protection from disease that vaccines offer. Until they're old enough to get all necessary immunizations, it's important that you and those spending time with a newborn are up to date on vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease to your baby. 
3. Vaccines are safe. Before a vaccine is approved for use in the U.S., it goes through testing to make sure it's safe and works well. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluates the results of clinical studies. Safety is watched during use. Like other medicines, vaccines can cause mild side effects like, pain at the injection site, rash or low-grade fever.
4. Germs are world travelers. Vaccine-preventable diseases are still around, even ones that aren't currently common in the U.S. and can be spread to people who haven't been vaccinated. Measles is one example. It's still common in other countries. A traveler who hasn't had the vaccine can get it and bring it back to the U.S. with them, where it may spread to others.
5. The diseases that childhood vaccines are meant to prevent are most likely to happen when children are young. That's also when the chance of complications is greatest. That makes early vaccination, sometimes starting shortly after birth, essential. If you put off vaccines until your child is older, it might be too late.

Vaccines Your Baby Needs

The CDC recommends that children get shots at certain ages:

Infant to two years: Starting vaccines from birth can help protect your child against hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, polio, flu, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, talk to your doctor or your child's doctor. That way, you can make the best decision for the health of your family and your community.

What’s Covered?

Your TRS-ActiveCare health plan covers preventive care, like these recommended vaccines, for you and your covered family members at 100%:

• Diphtheria
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Mumps
• Pertussis
• Polio
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Varicella
• any other immunization that is required by law for your child

Resources for TRS-ActiveCare

Provider Finder®

Use Provider Finder®to find a pediatrician, Primary Care Provider and more.  A Personal Health Guide can help you find a provider and even schedule an appointment. Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the BCBSTX App, available 24/7.