Essential Newborn Vaccinations: A Guide to Keeping Your Twins Safe

Written by: Dr. Marci Fults

Article Highlights:

• Newborns have a high risk for severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
• All babies should receive the first hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
• The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older, including people who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
• Pregnant women should receive a Tdap (whooping cough) and flu vaccine.
• Family members and caregivers should be up-to-date with immunizations and boosters, including whooping cough and influenza vaccines.

While vaccines are one of our great success stories in modern medicine, saving millions of lives over the past several decades, they remain a topic of uncertainty for many parents. You are not alone if you have questions about vaccinations for your growing family. This article will guide you through the most up-to-date vaccination recommendations to help keep you and your newborn twins safe.

Why Are Vaccines So Important?

Getting vaccinated is better than getting the disease. Vaccines have saved many children from diseases like meningitis and diarrheal infections. Since a newborn’s immune system is not fully developed, they are at an even higher risk for severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Are Vaccines Effective?

Yes! Vaccines are highly effective. Most childhood vaccines are 90% to 99% effective in preventing disease, and if a vaccinated child contracts a disease, the symptoms are often less severe than in a child who did not get the vaccine.

Are Vaccines Safe?

Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common side effects are pain or swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare, with only 1 to 2 severe allergic reactions per 1 million vaccine doses. Healthcare providers are trained to treat any severe allergic reactions that may occur.

Why Do Vaccinations Start at Such a Young Age?

The CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule is based on age, immune response, and the likelihood of exposure to diseases. Delaying or changing the schedule is not recommended as there is no evidence to show that altering the schedule provides equal protection.

Tips for Vaccinating Twins

• Enlist help: Having an extra pair of hands to comfort your babies after their shots can be helpful. Ask a medical assistant if no one else is available.
• Sweet solution: Giving your babies a sucrose or glucose solution just before the injection can reduce discomfort.
• Breastfeed for comfort: Breastfeeding after the vaccination can soothe your babies.
• For triplets or more: Consider vaccinating at different times if you don’t have a helping hand.

Vaccines for Newborns

Hepatitis B Vaccine

All babies should receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. This vaccine prevents chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to liver cancer or death. It may be given as a 3-dose or 4-dose series, starting at birth and completed by 6-18 months.

For Premature Babies: If your twins were born prematurely (weighing less than 4 lbs. 6 oz.), the vaccine should be given at one month or upon discharge from the hospital, whichever comes first.

Vaccines for Family Members and Caregivers

Family members and caregivers should be up-to-date on the following vaccines to protect newborns:

Whooping Cough (DTaP/Tdap)

Whooping cough is highly contagious and dangerous for newborns. Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, and family members should ensure they are up-to-date.

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza can cause severe complications in newborns, and flu vaccines are not approved for infants under six months. Therefore, pregnant women and all caregivers should get the flu shot.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months and older, including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Booster shots are also recommended for those over five years old.

Helpful Resources for Parents

• CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
• Hepatitis B Foundation: Vaccine Schedules
• To report adverse reactions: Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)