Vaccines for Premature Infants

Starting at 1 to 2 months after birth, premature infants (preemies) need all the same vaccines that full-term infants get. The one vaccine that your preemie may not get on schedule is the hepatitis B vaccine. In full-term infants, it may be given at birth. But this vaccine does not work as well in very small preemies. It may be given 1 month after birth if you did not have chronic hepatitis B infection while you were pregnant.

Preemies also have a higher risk than full-term infants for getting a severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. This is especially true if they have lung problems. The doctor may talk with you about giving your infant an injection of the RSV monoclonal antibody.

Your baby's doctor can help you decide the best vaccination schedule for your baby based on current recommendations and your baby's risk factors.

Vaccinations for people who visit your newborn

It's important that your newborn is protected from getting certain diseases that are spread from person to person, such as pertussis (whooping cough), the flu, and COVID-19.

It's okay to ask people who want to visit you if they are up to date on certain vaccines, such as ones for the flu, COVID-19, and tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (Tdap). Or ask people if they can get the vaccines at least 2 weeks before being in close contact with your baby.

Talk to your doctor about what vaccines you can get to help protect your baby from severe problems from these diseases.