What vaccines does my baby need in the first year?
Babies typically receive Hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, PCV, Polio, Rotavirus, and MMR/Varicella in the first 12–15 months.
At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we understand that pediatric care is not simply reactive medicine. It is a long-term strategy for protecting health, supporting development, and preventing avoidable harm. Routine pediatric care and timely immunizations are vital tools that safeguard children during their most vulnerable years while laying the groundwork for lifelong wellness.
This section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide offers resources related to pediatric care and immunizations to help families understand recommended schedules, well-child visits, and preventive care practices. Knowledge in this space equips caregivers to engage confidently with pediatric providers, ask informed questions, and make decisions grounded in evidence rather than fear or misinformation. Informed parents are positioned parents.
The resources provided here are for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your child’s pediatrician or other licensed clinical provider. All healthcare decisions should be made in direct consultation with your medical team, taking into account your child’s unique needs and circumstances.
Our philosophy is clear and intentional: when families are supported early with accurate information and consistent care, prevention becomes protection, trust replaces uncertainty, and children are given the strongest possible start.
Babies typically receive Hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, PCV, Polio, Rotavirus, and MMR/Varicella in the first 12–15 months.
Yes—mild illness rarely requires delaying vaccines.
Yes—preterm babies should receive vaccines according to their chronological age, not adjusted age.
Soreness, fussiness, mild fever, sleepiness—usually mild and short-lived.
Breastfeeding, cuddling, distraction, and sugar-water for infants can help reduce pain.
Yes—breastfeeding helps immunity but does not replace vaccines.
RI and MA require vaccines for childcare, preschool, and K–12 entry.
Your pediatrician can follow the CDC catch-up schedule.
Yes — AAP and CDC recommend COVID vaccines for children 6 months+.
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The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
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