Vaccines at 4 Months

Protect your baby against 14 potentially serious diseases before 2 years old with vaccines.
What vaccines will my baby get?
At 4 months, your baby should receive vaccines to help protect against the following diseases:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP) (2nd dose)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (Hib) (2nd dose)
- Polio (IPV) (2nd dose)
- Pneumococcal disease (PCV) (2nd dose)
- Rotavirus (RV) (2nd dose)
After vaccinations
Sometimes children have mild reactions from vaccines, such as pain at the injection site, or a rash. These reactions are normal and will soon go away.
- Read the Vaccine Information Sheet(s) your baby’s doctor gave you to learn about side effects your baby may experience.
- Swaddle.
- Offer breastmilk or formula more often. It is normal for some babies to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.
- Pay extra attention to your baby for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your baby’s doctor.
Treat mild reactions from vaccines:
- Use a cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness, soreness, and/or swelling at the injection site.
- Reduce fever with a cool sponge bath.
- Ask your child’s doctor if you can give your child a non-aspirin pain reliever.
Important developmental milestones
Get tips to prepare for your baby’s well child visits.
By 4 months, most babies:
- Like to play with people
- Babble with expression
- Reach for toy with one hand
- Bring hands to mouth
- Respond to affection
- Hold head steady, unsupported
CDC, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule.
- Get a list of vaccines that your child may need based on age, health conditions, and other factors.
- Learn the reasons why you should follow the vaccine schedule.