Newborn Vaccinations in Jordan: The Schedule to 6 Months and Care After Each Vaccine

Newborn vaccinations in Jordan begin on the day of birth with the BCG vaccine (tuberculosis) and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. The visits at months two, three and four then bring the combined vaccine, the polio vaccine and the rotavirus vaccine. These vaccines are free at Ministry of Health centers for every child, regardless of nationality. Most side effects are mild and go away within days, and if a dose is missed, it can usually be completed.

What are newborn vaccinations in Jordan, and why are they given on time?

Newborn vaccinations in Jordan are part of the National Vaccination Program led by the Ministry of Health. Routine vaccination has been compulsory in Jordan since 1979 [3]. Vaccination relies on the body's natural defenses. It builds immunity against specific diseases before the child is exposed to them [3].

Vaccination coverage in Jordan reached 95%, which has contributed to a decline in deaths and in diseases that can be prevented by vaccines [3]. Among the program's most notable achievements, Jordan recorded its last case of polio in 1992, and its last cases of diphtheria and tetanus in 1995 [4].

Keeping to the schedule is important, because giving vaccines on time provides the best protection [1]. A baby in the first months of life is more vulnerable to complications of some infectious diseases, so the schedule is designed to protect the child early.

Newborn vaccination schedule in Jordan from birth to six months

The following table summarizes the vaccines given in the first six months, as presented by ClinicsJo in the article The Complete Jordanian Vaccination Schedule and Its Importance. The final reference remains the child's official vaccination card and the health center.

Note: The conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) was introduced into the National Program [4], but we were unable to confirm the ages for its doses. Ask the health center about its timing as shown on your child's card.

What happens at each vaccination visit?

At birth

Before discharge or at the first check-up, the newborn receives the BCG vaccine and the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine was introduced into the National Program in 1995 [4]. During the same period, the newborn undergoes important screenings, the details of which can be found on the page Essential Infant Screenings Immediately After Birth.

Second month

This is the first major visit. The child receives protection against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, Hib and hepatitis B, in addition to the first dose of rotavirus vaccine. Jordan uses combination vaccines, including the hexavalent vaccine that combines these protections into a single dose, which reduces the number of injections and the burden on the child and parents [4].

Third and fourth months

The same vaccines are repeated to complete the series, with the addition of the oral polio vaccine and the second and third doses of rotavirus vaccine. For comparison, the UK's health system gives the six-in-one vaccine at weeks 8, 12 and 16 [1], intervals that are close to the Jordanian schedule.

Fifth and sixth months

The published schedule includes no new routine doses during this period. Use it to monitor growth and nutrition, and make sure the card does not show any missing doses. To make the most of this stage, read How to Support Your Baby's Development at Home.

Where does my child get vaccinated, and are the vaccines free?

Every child in Jordan, regardless of nationality, has the right to receive vaccines free of charge at any Ministry of Health health center [3]. Mother and child care centers are located across the governorates, and they are the usual place for following up on the card and its appointments.

Optional vaccines outside the National Program are given at private clinics at varying prices. Discuss with your pediatrician whether your child needs any of them. For general information about one of these vaccines, see the page Pneumococcal Vaccine (Synflorix / Prevenar).

• Bring the vaccination card to every visit, including routine sick visits.
• Ask for the date of the next dose to be clearly recorded on the card.
• Tell the nurse if the child became ill after a previous dose or has any special health condition.

What are the normal reactions after a vaccine?

Most reactions to vaccines are mild and temporary. The Jordanian Ministry of Health confirms there is no need to worry about vaccines [3]. The possible side effects include [3]:

• A mild fever of up to 38°C.
• Pain, redness or warmth at the injection site.
• Mild diarrhea.

These mild symptoms go away on their own within a few days [3]. The child may be sleepier, fussier or less interested in feeding on the day of the vaccine. This is common and usually does not indicate a problem.

How do I care for my child at home after the vaccine?

Simple home care is sufficient in most cases. Newborns have many needs, and it is normal for parents to feel anxious at the start, so do not hesitate to ask for help from a healthcare provider [2].

Managing fever

• Dress the child in light clothing, and keep the room temperature moderate.
• Feed frequently, breastfeeding or formula according to the child's usual pattern, as this protects against dehydration. For more, see the guide to infant nutrition from birth to age two.
• Measure the temperature with a thermometer suitable for infants and record the readings.
• A fever reducer suitable for infants may be used [3], with the dose based on weight and prescribed by a doctor or advised by a pharmacist. Do not give the baby any medication without this guidance.

Caring for the injection site

Warm compresses can be applied to the injection site to relieve pain [3]. Do not rub the area vigorously, and do not apply ointments or folk remedies. Cuddling and breastfeeding after the injection help calm the child.

After the BCG vaccine

It is normal for a small bump to appear at the BCG vaccine site after a few weeks. It may discharge a little, then heal, leaving a small scar. Keep it uncovered and clean, and do not squeeze it or cover it with a tight dressing. See a doctor if the swelling grows significantly or a lump appears under the armpit.

After the rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine is given as oral drops, and it may be followed by mild, temporary diarrhea. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after changing diapers.

When should I see a doctor, and when should I go to the emergency room?

If any concern worries you, speak with a doctor or call the vaccination clinic [3]. The following two lists can help you tell the difference between what needs a check-up and what needs immediate emergency care.

See a pediatrician as soon as possible if:

• The temperature exceeds 38°C, especially in very young infants.
• The fever or fussiness continues for more than a few days.
• Redness or swelling at the injection site increases, or pus comes out of it.
• The child refuses to feed, or the number of wet diapers clearly decreases.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if the following appear:

• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or widespread rash right after the vaccine.
• Seizures, or severe limpness with difficulty waking the child.
• Blueness of the lips or skin.
• Inconsolable, severe crying, or intense crying episodes with the legs drawn up toward the belly, blood in the stool, or repeated vomiting, especially after the rotavirus vaccine.

The simple rule: mild symptoms that gradually improve are usually normal, while any symptom that worsens or causes you serious concern deserves medical evaluation without delay.

What should I do if my child misses a vaccine dose?

There is no need to panic. Vaccines are best given on time, but most can be completed if a dose is missed [1]. The first step is to contact the health authority to make up the dose [1]. In Jordan, this is the health center or the mother and child care center that follows your child's card.

1. Visit the health center as soon as possible, bringing the vaccination card with you.
2. The health staff will decide how the missed doses are completed. The series is usually not restarted from the beginning.
3. If the child is sick on the scheduled day, ask the health staff whether the vaccine can be given or postponed for a short period.
4. Ask for the next dose to be booked right away to avoid accumulating delays.

Note that some vaccines, such as rotavirus, have age limits for administration. Therefore, do not delay making up a missed dose.

How do I choose a pediatrician or suitable clinic in Jordan?

National vaccines are given at health centers, but many parents also want regular follow-up with a pediatrician to assess growth or symptoms after a vaccine. You can browse pediatricians in Jordan by governorate, such as pediatricians in Amman, pediatricians in Irbid and pediatricians in Zarqa. You can also search for newborn care services.

What should you check in a doctor's or clinic's profile?

• Specialty: pediatrics or neonatology.
• Location and working hours, and how close it is to your home for urgent visits.
• Contact methods, and whether booking is available where the profile allows it.

Useful questions to ask the doctor

• Is my child's card complete for his or her age?
• Which optional vaccines might suit my child's condition?
• When should I come back to you if a fever appears after the vaccine?

And as a mother, do not forget your own health. If you notice persistent sadness or emotional exhaustion after childbirth, read about postpartum depression and seek support without embarrassment.

What comes after six months?

Newborn vaccinations in Jordan continue after the first six months. At nine months, the measles vaccine and a booster dose of oral polio vaccine are given, and at twelve months, the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The Ministry of Health announced the addition of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine to the National Program as a single dose at 12 months of age. Its administration began on 9 May 2026 at all health centers through the mother and child care departments, and it includes children born on or after 1 January 2025 [4]. This vaccine has been used globally since 1995 [4].

Your child undergoes many changes during the first year [2]. Therefore, keep the card in a safe place, and review the full schedule whenever a new appointment approaches.

Frequently asked questions

Which vaccines does a newborn receive at birth in Jordan?

A newborn receives the BCG vaccine (tuberculosis) and the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, according to the published national schedule. The visits at months two, three and four then complete the remaining vaccines. The official vaccination card and the health center remain the final reference for your child's appointments.

Are infant vaccines free in Jordan for non-Jordanians?

Yes. Every child in Jordan, regardless of nationality, has the right to receive National Program vaccines free of charge at Ministry of Health health centers. Optional vaccines outside the program are given at private clinics at varying prices, and the need for them can be discussed with a pediatrician.

Is a fever after a vaccine normal in infants?

A mild fever of up to 38°C is a common symptom after vaccines and usually goes away within a few days. Dress the child in light clothing and breastfeed frequently. Any fever reducer should be given based on weight and prescribed by a doctor or advised by a pharmacist. If the fever exceeds 38°C or persists, see a doctor.

What should I put on the injection site if it becomes red or swollen?

Redness, pain and warmth at the injection site are common and can be relieved with warm compresses. Avoid rubbing the area or applying ointments and folk remedies. If the swelling clearly increases, pus comes out, or the problem continues for more than a few days, see a pediatrician.

I missed my child's vaccine appointment. Do we need to start over?

Usually not. Most missed vaccines can be completed without restarting the series from the beginning. Visit the health center as soon as possible with the vaccination card, and the health staff will decide how the doses are completed. Do not delay making up a missed dose, because some vaccines such as rotavirus have age limits.

When should I take my child to the emergency room after a vaccine?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately in these cases: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, seizures, severe limpness, or blueness. Also seek care for persistent inconsolable crying, crying episodes with the legs drawn up, blood in the stool, or repeated vomiting.

Sources and references

1. NHS vaccinations and when to have them — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
2. Infant and Newborn Care: MedlinePlus — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
3. Routine Childhood Immunizations | UNICEF Jordan — UNICEF. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
4. Ministry of Health: "Chickenpox" Vaccine Added to the National... — www.jordannews.jo. Accessed: 2026-10-26.