Step

First newborn vaccines: what happens and what to expect

Timing, methods and symptoms

Health area

Postpartum

New parent

Weeks

Option 1

Useful Information

Vaccinating means protecting children and the entire community from many infectious diseases, some of which are very dangerous. In Italy, all mandatory vaccines are administered free of charge by NHS facilities. After registering at the registry office and receiving the health card at home, the family also receives the letter of invitation (or an SMS) from their ASST, for mandatory vaccinations (about 4-8 weeks after the registration of the birth). With the first appointment at the Vaccination Center of the town hall, the mandatory vaccination calendar begins. They can accompany their mother, father or another trusted person, provided they are of legal age.

After the vaccinations (administered by injection on the thigh or orally in drops), the child is kept under observation for about 15-20 minutes at the center, as a standard safety measure. Mild fever, irritability or local redness may occur later, which quickly disappear. In case of doubts about the management of the child's symptoms, or particular pathologies, it is always advisable to talk to the pediatrician or vaccination center, who will evaluate the timing and suitability for the individual vaccines.

Who can I interface with

Vaccination center

Territorial health services

Registry

Paediatricians and specialists

Housing

Useful links