Which vaccines does a baby need in the first year?

In the first year, babies need BCG, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent (or Hexavalent), IPV/OPV (Polio), Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Meningococcal C, Yellow Fever, and MMR vaccines. The SBP calendar also includes additional vaccines available at private clinics.

Baby Vaccination Schedule 2026: Complete Calendar (Public + Private)

Do you know which vaccines your baby needs? And the difference between public (SUS) and private vaccines in Brazil? Keeping track of the baby's development alongside vaccination is essential. In this guide, you will find the complete 2026 vaccination calendar, when to give each vaccine, and the differences that really matter — adapted for expat families in Sao Paulo. For a broader view of Brazil's national vaccination program, see our complete guide to Brazil's vaccination schedule.

First-Year Vaccination Calendar

Below are the recommended vaccines for the first 12 months of life, following the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) and Ministry of Health calendars. If your child was partially vaccinated in another country, Dr. Paula will review their records and continue from where you left off — there is no need to restart.

At Birth (Hospital)

BCG (Tuberculosis)

Single dose. Protects against severe forms of tuberculosis. Leaves a characteristic scar on the arm. Unique to countries where TB is endemic — your child may not have received this in your home country.

Hepatitis B

1st dose. Must be given within the first 12 hours of life.

2 Months

Public (SUS): Pentavalent

Protects against: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus, Hepatitis B

Private: Hexavalent

Same as pentavalent + Inactivated Polio. Fewer injections!

Other vaccines at 2 months:

• IPV (Inactivated Polio) — 1st dose
• Pneumococcal 10 or 13-valent — 1st dose
• Rotavirus — 1st dose

3 Months

Public (SUS): Meningococcal C

Protects against meningitis type C

Private: Meningococcal ACWY

Protects against 4 types of meningitis (A, C, W, Y)

Meningococcal B (Private Only)

Protects against meningitis B. Not available through SUS. Recommended by the SBP.

4 Months

Booster of the 2-month vaccines:

• Pentavalent or Hexavalent — 2nd dose
• IPV (Polio) — 2nd dose
• Pneumococcal — 2nd dose
• Rotavirus — 2nd dose

5 Months

• Meningococcal C or ACWY — 2nd dose
• Meningococcal B — 2nd dose (private)

6 Months

• Pentavalent or Hexavalent — 3rd dose
• IPV (Polio) — 3rd dose
• Rotavirus — 3rd dose (pentavalent rotavirus only)
• Influenza (Flu) — 1st dose + booster in 30 days

From 6 months: The annual flu vaccine is recommended for all children. This is also when food introduction begins.

9 Months

Yellow Fever

Single dose (valid for life). Mandatory throughout Brazil. This is unique to tropical countries — if your child was not vaccinated before arriving in Brazil, this should be done as soon as possible after 9 months of age.

12 Months (1 Year)

MMR (Triple Viral): Measles, Mumps, Rubella — 1st dose
Pneumococcal: Booster
Meningococcal C/ACWY: Booster
Hepatitis A: 1st dose
Varicella (Chickenpox): 1st dose (or MMRV combined)

Public (SUS) vs Private: Key Differences

For expat families, understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions. Both options are safe and effective.

Vaccine	Public (SUS) — Free	Private — Paid
DTaP (Pertussis)	DTwP (whole-cell) — more side effects	DTaP (acellular) — fewer side effects
Pneumococcal	10-valent (covers 10 strains)	13 or 15-valent (broader coverage)
Meningococcal	Type C only	ACWY + B (5 types)
Rotavirus	Monovalent (2 doses)	Pentavalent (3 doses)
Influenza (Flu)	Trivalent	Quadrivalent (covers more strains)

My Recommendation as a Pediatrician

Brazil's public vaccines are excellent and safe. If you can only vaccinate through SUS, rest assured — your baby will be well protected.

Private vaccines have specific advantages (fewer reactions, broader strain coverage). I discuss with each family what makes the most sense for their situation during the first consultation. Many expat families choose a mix of both.

Practical Tips for Expat Families

Where to get vaccinated: Public vaccines are available at any UBS (public health unit) for free. Private vaccination clinics like Delboni, Lavoisier, and Einstein offer shorter waits and more comfortable environments.

Bring your records: If your child received vaccines in another country, bring the vaccination booklet or records. Dr. Paula can translate and integrate them into the Brazilian schedule.

Cost: Public vaccines are 100% free. Private vaccines range from R$100 to R$800 per dose depending on the vaccine. Many international health insurers reimburse vaccination costs.

Language: Most UBS clinics operate in Portuguese only. Private clinics in expat-friendly areas often have English-speaking staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix public and private vaccines?

Yes! It is completely fine to get some vaccines through SUS and supplement with private ones. For example, get the pentavalent at a public clinic and the meningococcal B at a private clinic.

How many vaccines can be given on the same day?

There is no limit. The baby's immune system can respond to multiple vaccines simultaneously. Giving several vaccines on the same day is safe and does not reduce effectiveness.

What if my baby has a fever or cold?

Mild illnesses do not prevent vaccination. A runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever are not contraindications. If the baby has a high fever or more serious illness, wait until they recover.

Do vaccines cause autism?

NO. This is one of the most dangerous medical myths. Dozens of studies involving millions of children have confirmed there is absolutely no link. The fraudulent study that suggested otherwise was retracted and the doctor lost his medical license.

Are vaccine reactions normal?

Yes, mild reactions are expected: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever (see the normal temperature chart), and fussiness. These are signs that the immune system is responding. Use acetaminophen if there is discomfort. Serious reactions are extremely rare.

Can I delay my baby's vaccines?

The recommended schedule should be followed as closely as possible since babies are most vulnerable early in life. If doses are delayed, there is no need to restart — just continue from where you left off. Talk to your pediatrician to adjust.

Tips for Vaccination Day

•Bring the vaccination booklet — always keep it updated
•Breastfeed before or during the injection (helps calm the baby)
•Dress baby in easy-to-remove clothing (quick access to thighs and arms)
•Stay calm — babies can sense parental anxiety
•Wait 15-30 minutes at the clinic after vaccination for observation

Need help with your baby's vaccination plan?

Dr. Paula helps expat families create optimal vaccination schedules combining public and private options. International insurance documentation provided.

Talk to the Pediatrician