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.

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 a 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 by 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:

Common parts of any well-baby checkup are:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. General development: the doctor will check to make sure your baby is meeting the goals for motor skills and emotional development.
4. Nutrition: the doctor will give you advice about breastfeeding, vitamins, and other nutritional issues. As your baby grows, you’ll be asked questions about the foods your baby eats.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Vaccinations: At different ages, your baby will need different types of vaccinations during these visits.

Courtesy of March of Dimes

Growth charts for girls and boys

Following are the World Health Organization’s growth charts under two years of age:

• Weight for age: Boys
  
  
• Length for age: Boys
  
  
• Head circumference for age: Boys
  
  
• Weight for age: Girls
  
  
• Length for age: Girls
  
  
• Head circumference for age: Girls
  

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