Immunizations protect children from many childhood diseases. To assure your children's health and well-being, make sure their immunizations are up to date. Any delay in receiving vaccinations puts them at risk of exposure to disease. Infant immunizations are given at birth, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 15 months of age. Children should receive follow-up vaccinations at 4 to 6 years and 14 years of age.

The following immunization schedule is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:
* Hepatitis B is a series of 3 shots given between birth and 2 months, between 2 months and 4 months, and between 6 months and 18 months.
* DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) is a series of 5 shots given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, between 12 months and 18 months (or DtaP--diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis--between 15 months and 18 months) , and between ages 4 and 6 years. A Td (tetanus and diphtheria) shot should be given at age 11 and every 10 years thereafter.
* HiB (haemophilus influenza type B) is a series of 4 shots given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months.
* Polio is a series of 4 doses given at 2 months, 4 months, between 6 months and 18 months, and between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
* MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) is a series of 2 shots given between 12 months and 15 months, and one between the ages of 4 and 6 years or between the ages of 11 and 12 years.
* Varicella (chickenpox) is a single dose shot given between 12 and 18 months of age.

The tuberculin skin test is given at age 1 year.

Some risks are associated with vaccinations. These are outweighed by the benefits of preventing disease. It is important to discuss your children's risks and immunization schedule with your healthcare provider. Be sure to keep informed of any new vaccine recommendations.

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