2-Month Vaccines: What You Should Know

At their 2-month wellness check, babies are usually scheduled to receive several vaccines, including:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV)
• Rotavirus vaccine (RV)

This article discusses recommended vaccinations, possible side effects, and how to comfort infants during and after their appointment.  

2-Month Vaccinations

While babies are born with a fairly strong immune system, there are some diseases that can be severe and are hard to fight on their own. Vaccinations are given to help their immune system prevent these diseases. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an immunization schedule that includes six vaccinations for 2-month old babies.

Most vaccinations are given as a shot. However, the rotavirus vaccine (RV) is given by mouth through liquid drops. 

Comforting Your Baby

Write down questions you have and bring available shot records with you to the appointment. It’s also helpful to pack your baby’s favorite toy, pacifier, or blanket to comfort them during the visit.

During the appointment, you can help your baby by:

• Holding them
• Distracting them with toys or singing
• Smiling and whispering reassuring words

After the appointment, you can comfort your baby by:

• Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
• Offering a pacifier
• Swaddling with their favorite blanket
• Giving them Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed for pain if approved by your healthcare provider

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)

The DTaP vaccination is given in five doses. The first dose begins at 2-months and the final at 4-6 years old. DTaP helps prevent the following diseases:

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus 
• Pertussis (whooping cough)

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is often confused with seasonal influenza (flu) because of their similar names. However, these are two different diseases. Seasonal influenza is a virus, while Hib is a bacteria that can cause:

• Meningitis
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
• Epiglottitis (swelling in the upper airway or windpipe) 

The Hib vaccine is scheduled as three or four doses depending on the brand. It is given at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months (if needed depending on vaccine brand)
• 12-14 months

Polio Vaccine (IPV)

In the late 1940s, polio was a highly feared disease that caused paralysis. After polio vaccinations, infections in the U.S. decreased dramatically.  

Children in the U.S. get a shot called an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Other countries may use an oral polio vaccine (OPV).

IPV is given over four doses at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6-18 months
• 4-6 years

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against a bacterial infection that causes ear or sinus infections, meningitis, and pneumonia.

The PCV vaccine is given in four doses at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months 
• 6 months
• 12-15 months

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a potentially serious viral infection that causes damage to the liver. It is passed through body fluids or from mother to baby. The hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) is given in three doses at the following ages:

• Shortly after birth
• 1-2 months 
• 6-18 months

Rotavirus (RV)

Rotavirus (RV) is a gastrointestinal virus that causes stomach pain, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration (loss of fluid). The RV vaccination is given as drops in the mouth. 

There are two brands of this vaccine. One brand is given at 2- and 4-months-old. The other brand includes a third dose given at 6-months-old.

Side Effects

If babies experience side effects after vaccines they are usually mild.

The most common side effects include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the shot 
• Low-grade fever (100-102 degrees or lower) 

Less common side effects include:

• Fussiness or irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or vomiting

What to Do If Your Baby Has Side Effects

To help minimize mild reactions, you can try the following:

• A cool cloth to reduce redness and swelling 
• A room temperature sponge bath for low-grade fevers
• Feed your baby more often for comfort and hydration
• Give Tylenol (acetaminophen) if approved by your pediatrician

When to Contact the Pediatrician

If your baby has any of the following symptoms, contact their healthcare provider:

• Fever greater than 104 degrees
• Redness at the shot site larger than 1 inch or lasting longer than three days
• High-pitched crying lasting over one hour
• Nonstop crying for three hours or more
• Fussiness for more than three days 
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea

When to Call 911

If you think your infant is having a life-threatening emergency or any of the following rare reactions, call 911 immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Lethargy (not moving or very weak)
• Not waking up
• Seizures

Summary 

Vaccinations are usually given at an infant’s 2-month wellness visit to help protect them from preventable diseases. You can help comfort your baby by holding them and offering them their favorite blanket, pacifier, or toy. Vaccination side effects are generally mild and can be treated at home to ease any discomfort. 

A Word From Verywell

Parents are often concerned about their infants having reactions to vaccinations. While mild reactions to vaccinations may occur, severe reactions are very rare. Don’t be shy about talking to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Overall, the benefits of vaccinations (and being vaccinated early in life) far outweigh the risks.