IMMUNIZATIONS: CHILDREN

Immunizations protect children from many childhood diseases. Many childhood diseases can have severe complications. Immunizations that are up to date help to keep children from getting these diseases and the complications.

The following immunization schedule is based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:

Hepatitis B vaccine protects against a virus that may cause a short illness, or a long-term illness that can lead to liver damage or cancer. Hepatitis B is a series of 3 shots with one given at:

birth to 2 months of age
1 to 4 months of age and
6 to 18 months of age

The series of 3 shots can be given anytime from 24 months to 18 years if they have been missed.

DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) protects against diphtheria, an infection of the throat and windpipe that can lead to death, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). After DTaP is a series of 5 shots given at:

2 months
4 months
6 months
15 to 18 months and
4 to 6 years

A Td (tetanus and diphtheria) shot should be given between ages 11 and 12 and every 10 years thereafter.

Hib (haemophilus influenza type b) protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b. This bacteria is most common in children under 5 years of age. It can cause serious diseases like spinal meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections. Hib is a series of 4 shots given at:

2 months
4 months
6 months and
12 to 15 months

Inactivated Polio vaccine (IPV) prevents polio, which can cause paralysis or death. IPV is given as a series of 4 shots at:

2 months
4 months
6 to 18 months and
4 to 6 years

MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella [German measles]) is a series of 2 shots given between

12 to15 months and
4 to 6 years

The second dose can be given at 11 to12 years if not given before

Varicella (chickenpox) is one shot given between 12 and 18 months of age. Varicella vaccine can be given at any age to anyone who has not had chickenpox or had the vaccine. Children over 13 years of age usually need 2 shots.

PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) protects against pneumococcal bacteria. This bacteria can cause meningitis, pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage. PPV (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) may be suggested in addition to PCV for certain children. PCV vaccine is given at:

2 months
4 months
6 months and
12 to 15 months
for some children, 24 months to 5 years (as suggested by your healthcare provider)

At age 11 to 12, your provider will check to make sure that each child has received the necessary immunizations. Any immunizations still needed will be given at this time.

Hep A (hepatitis A) is 1 shot that can be given at age 24 months to 18 years. Depending on the area or state, the need is decided by your provider. Some day care centers may recommend it.

Influenza (Flu shot) vaccine is suggested for children 6 months to 18 years. Your child's provider or parents may ask for this shot to be given. This shot is given each year.

Even though there may be some risks with vaccinations, they do help to keep a child safe from serious diseases. Any concerns about an immunization should be talked over with your provider. For more information about immunizations, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by calling the National Immunization Information Hotline at (800) 232-2522 for English or (800) 232-0233 for Spanish or visit their website at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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