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) (2^nd dose)
Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (Hib) (2^nd dose)
Polio (IPV) (2^nd dose)
Pneumococcal disease (PCV13) (2^nd dose)
Rotavirus (RV) (2^nd 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

Following the vaccine schedule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule.