Some parents of premature and low weight babies get worried about immunizing their newborns according to the standard schedule  created by the American Academy of pediatrics. They worry that these guidelines were made with full term and normal weight babies in mind  and that their babies may not tolerate these vaccines well. These parents also believe their babies may be too fragile or sick for immunization.

If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor. He will let you know that these babies should be given the routinely recommended childhood vaccines. He will also let you know that  premature infants  should get every immunization  on the standard schedule when they reach the age at which these immunizations are normally given to other children.

You have to note that preterm babies are at risk of infections, some of which these vaccines protect against. All vaccines are safe for premature infants and low weight babies . Any side effects encountered are similar to both premature infants and full term babies.

Hepatitis B immunization in premature infants

The American Academy of pediatrics recommends in most circumstances  that  the hepatitis B immunization be given at birth or before the baby  is discharged from the hospital. This vaccine should be given during the first hours or days of life.

However in babies who weigh less than 2.2 pounds at birth,  your doctor may decide to change the timetable for this vaccine. He may wait till the baby gets older. Medically stables premature infants should  be treated as full term babies and be given the first dose of this vaccine at the recommended schedule.

Extra protection for premature infants

Premature infants especially those with lungs problems have a higher chance of developing severe respiratory  syncytial virus RSV. Your baby’s doctor may recommend the monthly injection of RSV monoclonal antibody during the RSV season. This season is typically fall to spring. Ask your doctor if your child qualifies for this vaccine.