Postnatal Care › Injections for baby
Injections for baby
Two injections are offered to your baby in the first hours after birth. Here is what each one is for.
Last reviewed May 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann
Two injections are offered to your baby soon after birth, a vitamin K injection and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Your consent is asked for at your booking in appointment, and again just before they are given.
You can read about each one below, along with the current NSW immunisation schedule.
Soon after birth
The two injections
Vitamin K
Newborns have very little vitamin K, which helps blood to clot. A single injection soon after birth prevents a rare but serious bleeding problem.
Read in English Other languagesHepatitis B
The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is offered soon after birth, giving early protection against a virus that can cause long-term liver disease.
Read in English Other languagesThe months ahead
NSW immunisation schedule
Your baby's free vaccinations continue on a set schedule through childhood. The current NSW schedule lists what is offered and when.
Where to next