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Immunization Schedule: Children
 
What are immunizations and why should my child have them?
Immunizations protect children from certain childhood diseases. These childhood diseases can cause severe health problems or even death. There is an immunization schedule to make sure that your child will get the correct vaccines at the right times.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine protects against a virus that may cause a short or long-term illness that can lead to liver damage or cancer. Hepatitis B is a series of 3 shots with given at :
  • birth (rarely it may be delayed until 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.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
DTaP protects against three diseases: diphtheria, an infection of the throat and windpipe, tetanus, and pertussis or whooping cough. It 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 or tetanus and diphtheria shot should be given between ages 11 and 12 and every 10 years thereafter.

Haemophilus influenzae type B
Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b. This type of bacteria is most common in children under 5 years of age. It can cause serious diseases such as 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.

Polio
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.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles)
MMR is a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella or German measles. It is a series of 2 shots given at:
  • 12 to 15 months and
  • *4 to 6 years.

The second dose can be given anytime more than 28 days after the first dose.

Chickenpox (varicella)
The varicella, or chickenpox vaccine, is one shot given between 12 and 18 months of age. This 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.

Pneumonia
PCV or pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause meningitis, pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage. PPV or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine may be suggested in addition to PCV for children over 2 years of age who have long-term health problems or who have a disease or condition that lowers the body's defenses to infection. PCV is given at:
  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months and
  • 12 to 15 months and
  • for some children, 24 months to 5 years (as recommended by your provider)

Hepatitis A
Hep A or hepatitis A vaccine is given to prevent hepatitis A.
  • 1 year with a second dose given at least 6 months later.

Children not immunized previously should receive the vaccine before school age.

Meningitis
Meningococcal vaccine or MCV4 prevents meningococcal meningitis, a serious inflammation of the spinal cord and brain coverings.
  • 11 to 12 years of age

Children who have not been immunized should receive the vaccine when entering high school and college freshman living in dormitories should receive the vaccine.

Flu (influenza)
Influenza (Flu shot) vaccine is recommended for children 6 months to 23 months of age, or for anyone 6 months of age or older who is at risk of getting a serious influenza infection. It is given each year. There are two forms of the vaccine. One is a shot, while the other is a nasal spray flu vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. The nasal spray vaccine is approved to be given to healthy people ages 5 to 49. Any child under the age of 9 and getting either form of the vaccine for the first time should get 2 doses 6 to 10 weeks apart. A child's provider or parent may ask for the influenza vaccine to be given.

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

Even though there may be some risks with vaccinations, they do help to keep children safe from serious diseases. Any concerns about an immunization should be discussed with your provider. For more information about immunizations, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by calling the National Immunization Information Hotline at 800-232-2522 or visit the Web site 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.

  HIA File PRV4663F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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