Ensuring a Healthy Start
Vaccination is one of the most significant steps you can take to protect your child’s health and well-being. As intended parents, understanding the benefits and importance of vaccinations can help you make informed decisions as you navigate this journey. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of newborn vaccinations, the regulations in Georgia, and the process for vaccination for babies born through surrogacy.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccinations are designed to protect against various infectious diseases that can have serious health consequences. They help your child build immunity, ensuring they are less susceptible to these diseases throughout their lives. Despite some prevailing prejudices about vaccination and its benefits, we strongly advocate the importance of vaccinating your child. The potential consequences of not vaccinating can result in unnecessary suffering and have far-reaching implications for public health.
Vaccination Regulations in Georgia
According to Georgian regulations, any baby who holds Georgian citizenship from birth is required to be vaccinated unless there are specific medical indications that prevent vaccination. This policy is crucial for ensuring the health of all children in Georgia. When children enter nursery or school, parents must provide proof of vaccination or a valid reason for any missed vaccinations.
Newborn Vaccination for Surrogacy-Born Babies
It is essential to note that babies born through surrogacy do not hold Georgian citizenship; thus, the mandatory vaccination requirements do not automatically apply. As intended parents, you will need to consider if you want your newborn to receive vaccinations while in Georgia. We work closely with maternity hospitals to accommodate your preferences. If you decide to have your baby vaccinated, we will provide the necessary confirmation from you as intended parents that vaccination is needed.
Some parents may choose to delay vaccinations until they return to their home country. This approach is also valid, and we fully support intended parents in making the decision that feels right for their family.
World Health Organization (WHO) Vaccination Chart
In Georgia, our healthcare system adheres to the International Vaccination Schedule outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Below is a sample vaccination chart that outlines the recommended vaccination schedule for infants and children:
| Vaccine | Age | Doses |
| Hepatitis B (HBV) | Birth, 1-2 months | 3 doses |
| DTPaH (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months | 3 doses |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months | 3 doses |
| Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months | 3 doses |
| Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months | 3 doses |
| Rotavirus | 2 months, 4 months | 2-3 doses (depending on the vaccine used) |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | 12-15 months | 1 dose |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 12-15 months | 1 dose |
| Hepatitis A (HepA) | 12-23 months | 2 doses (6-18 months apart) |
We encourage you to lean on healthcare professionals for guidance and support throughout this process. Your child’s health and well-being are paramount, and vaccination is a critical component of that journey. If you have any questions or need further clarification on vaccination procedures, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
