Immunization Schedule

In the first year of life, your baby gets several immunizations, or vaccines, to protect her from life-threatening illnesses. Following is the immunization schedule in Kosovo.

Vaccine	Birth	2 mths	3 mths	4 mths	12 mths	6-7 yrs	11-12 yrs	17-18 yrs
BCG Prevents tuberculosis	1st
HepB Prevents Hepatitis B	1st	2nd	3rd	4th
DPT Prevents diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus		1st	2nd	3rd
Hib Prevents haemophilus influenza type b		1st	2nd	3rd
IPV Prevents polio, administered by injection		1st	2nd	3rd
DPTr Prevents diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (booster/repeat)					1st
OPVr Prevents polio, administered by mouth (booster/repeat)					1st	2nd	3rd
MMRv Prevents measles, mumps, rubella and varicella					1st
MMRr Prevents measles, mumps, rubella (booster/repeat)						1st
DT Prevents diphtheria and tetanus						1st
Td Prevents diphtheria and tetanus (booster/repeat)							1st	2nd

Source: Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo

Most babies don’t have side effects from vaccines. If they do, they usually aren't serious. Some vaccines may cause low fever, a rash or soreness at the spot where the shot was given. Although your baby may seem like he’s getting sick after a vaccination, these reactions are good signs that his immune system is working and learning to fight off infections. In rare cases, a baby may have a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine. If you think your baby might have a reaction, call your baby’s doctor immediately. Vaccinations do not cause autism, and this has been proven be many scientific studies. If you have any questions about the risks of vaccinations, talk to your baby’s doctor.

Baby Check-up Schedule

Even when things are going well, regular checkups during can keep your baby happy and healthy. During well-baby visits, you find out about your baby's growth, weight gain, health and vaccinations, as well as whether your baby is meeting normal development goals. The typical schedule for visits in Kosovo during your child’s first two years is:

Visit #1

3-5 days

Visit #2

1 month

Visit #3

2 months

Visit #4

4 months

Visit #5

6 months

Visit #6

9 months

Visit #7

12 months

Visit #8

15 months

Visit #9

18 months

Visit #10

24 months

Common parts of any well-baby checkup are:

Charting growth: the doctor will measure baby’s weight, length, and head measurements and plot them on a chart (see below). You can use this to see how your baby's growth compares to others at the same age.
Physical examination: a thorough physical exam, from head to toe, is done. The doctor will look for signs that your baby is healthy and meeting normal physical development goals.
General development: the doctor will check to make sure your baby is meeting the goals for motor skills and emotional development.
Nutrition: the doctor will give you advice about breastfeeding, vitamins and other nutritional issues. As your baby grows, you'll be asked questions about foods your baby eats.
General discussion: The provider will also want to tell you what to expect in your baby's growth during the coming months. Be sure to ask any questions you have during the visit, no matter how small. Don't be afraid to talk about it if you are feeling run-down, stressed, or depressed.
Lab tests: these are not usually needed at these visits, but your baby may be tested for anemia (low blood iron) with a simple finger-prick test.
Vaccinations: At different ages, your baby will need different types of vaccinations during these visits.