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
Following the vaccine schedule
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.
