Schedule your baby's four-month checkup
Your baby will grow and change quickly in the first year. That’s why checkups are needed so often during this time. The four-month checkup is the perfect time to ask questions about your baby's health, growth and development, and immunizations. Take notes during the visit. You may want to share them with your baby’s caregivers. Bring your baby's Lifetime Immunization Record and Childhood Health Record with you to every appointment.
Immunize your baby on time
It's best to immunize your baby at the earliest recommended age. Infants are more likely than older children to become very ill, be hospitalized, or even die from diseases that vaccines can prevent. For example, nine out of ten deaths from whooping cough occur in infants younger than six months of age. Your baby can be immunized even if he or she is taking antibiotics or has a minor illness, such as a cold, diarrhea, or a fever. The vaccines your baby receives will still be effective and won’t make him or her sicker. The following vaccines are recommended at the four-month checkup:
• Rotavirus (RV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Your baby can be immunized even if he’s taking antibiotics or has a minor illness like a cold, mild diarrhea, or a fever. The vaccines your baby receives will still be effective and won’t make him or her sicker.
Until your baby is old enough to get vaccinated against flu, chickenpox, and measles, be sure those in close contact with your baby are immunized. If you have questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or clinic staff.
More Immunization Information
See the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children from Birth to Age 6.
Find more information on diseases and the vaccines that can prevent them online and in the following brochures: