Immunization Schedule
Vaccines work best when they are given at certain ages. For example, measles vaccine is not usually given until a child is at least a year old. If it is given earlier than that, it may not work as well. On the other hand, DTaP vaccine should be given over a period of time, in a series of properly-spaced doses.
Following is a description of the routine childhood immunization schedule. It tells you:
What childhood vaccines are recommended, and the ages they should be given.
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
First dose at Birth to 2 months
Second dose at 1 to 4 months
Third dose at 6 to 18 months
Hib Vaccine:
First dose at 2 months
Second dose at 4 months
Third dose at 6 months
Fourth dose at 12 to 15 months
Polio Vaccine:
First dose at 2 months
Second dose at 4 months
Third dose at 6 to 18 months
Fourth dose at 4 to 6 years
DTaP Vaccine:
First dose at 2 months
Second dose at 4 months
Third dose at 6 months
Fourth dose at 15 to 18 months
Fifth dose at 4 to 6 years
Pneumococcal Vaccine:
First dose at 2 months
Second dose at 4 months
Third dose at 6 months
Fourth dose at 12 to 18 months
MMR Vaccine:
First dose at 12 to 15 months
Second dose at 4 to 6 years
Varicella Vaccine: 12 to 18 months
Hepatitis A Vaccine: Two doses at least 6 months apart. Recommended in selected areas for children over 2 years of age.
This immunization schedule is based on recommendations by CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
What if Your Child Misses a Shot?
For most vaccines, it is never too late to catch up on missed shots. Children who missed their first shots at 2 months of age can start later. Children who have gotten some of their shots and then fallen behind schedule can catch up without having to start over. If you have children who were not immunized when they were infants, or who have gotten behind schedule, contact your doctor or the health department clinic. They will help you get your children up-to-date on their immunizations.
[NOTE: Don't postpone your child's immunizations just because you know she can catch up later. Every month she goes without her scheduled immunizations is a month she's not fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.]Combination Vaccines
A combination vaccine is more than one vaccine contained in a single shot. Doctors and parents both like them because they allow a child to get several vaccines at once without having to get as many injections. Several combination vaccines are already in use (for example, MMR, DTaP, Hib/hepatitis B) and more are on the way.
DiSCLAIMER: The content of this site is offered as educational material for parents, not as medical advice. If you have a question about a specific condition or symptom your child has then you need to consult a medical professional.