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Most doctors follow the vaccination schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC—see the CDC web site), which begins with the hepatitis B vaccine given in the hospital nursery. (See also Childhood Vaccinations.)
Parents should try to have their children vaccinated according to
the schedule. A significant delay in vaccination puts children at risk
of the serious diseases the vaccines could prevent.
If children miss a vaccine dose, parents should talk to their
doctor about catching up with the schedule. Missing a dose does not
require children to restart the series of injections from the beginning.
Vaccination need not be delayed if the infant has a slight fever from a mild infection, such as an ordinary cold.
Some vaccines are recommended only under special
circumstances—for example, only when children have an increased risk of
getting the disease the vaccine prevents.
More than one vaccine may be given during a visit to the doctor's
office, but several vaccines are often combined into one injection. For
example, there is a vaccine that combines pertussis, diphtheria,
tetanus, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines in one
injection. A combination vaccine simply reduces the number of
injections needed and does not reduce the safety or effectiveness of the
vaccines.
Routine Vaccinations for Infants and Children
Following the recommended vaccination schedule is important
because it helps protect infants and children against infections that
can be prevented. The schedule below is based on the one recommended by
the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (see Immunization Schedules for Infants and Children). The schedule indicates which vaccines are needed, at what age, and how many doses (indicated by the numbers in the symbols).
There is a range of acceptable ages for many vaccines. A child's doctor can provide specific recommendations, which may vary depending on the child's known health conditions and other circumstances. Often, combination vaccines are used, so that children receive fewer injections. If children have not been vaccinated according to the schedule, catch-up vaccinations are recommended, and parents should contact a doctor or health department clinic to find out how to catch up. Parents should report any side effects after vaccinations to their child's doctor. For more information about this schedule, parents should talk to a doctor or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Immunization Program web site. 
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aHepatitis B vaccine: This vaccine is given to most newborns before they are discharged from the hospital. The second dose is given at age 1 to 2 months, followed by the third dose at age 6 to 18 months. |
bRotavirus vaccine:
Depending on the vaccine used, two or three doses of the vaccine are
given: at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months or at ages 2 months and 4
months.
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cHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine:
Depending on the vaccine used, three or four doses of the Hib vaccine
are given: at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 12 to 15 months or at ages 2
months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months.
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dPoliovirus vaccine: Four doses of the vaccine are given: at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years.
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eDiphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine:
Before age 7, children are given the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular
pertussis (DTaP) preparation. Five doses of DTaP are given: at ages 2
months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years.
One dose of an adolescent preparation of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) is recommended at age 11 to 12 years. |
fPneumococcal vaccine: Four doses of the vaccine are given: at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months.
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gMeningococcal vaccine: Two doses are given: at age 11 to 12 years and 16 years (not shown on the above schedule). |
hInfluenza vaccine: The influenza vaccine should be given yearly to all, beginning at age 6 months. Most people need only one dose. Children who are 6 months to 8 years old are given two doses at least 4 weeks apart if they are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time. |
iMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: Two doses are given: at ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years. |
jVaricella vaccine: Two doses are given: at ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years. |
kHepatitis A vaccine: Two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine are needed for lasting protection. The first dose is given between ages 12 to 23 months, and the second dose is given 6 to 18 months later. If children over age 23 months have not been vaccinated, they can be given the hepatitis A vaccine to help protect them from hepatitis A. |
lHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: The human papillomavirus vaccine is given to adolescents (girls and boys) in 2 or 3 doses. The number of doses depends on how old the adolescent is when the first dose is given. Those given the first dose at age 9 to 14 years are given 2 doses, separated by at least 5 months. Those given the first dose at age 15 years or older are given 3 doses. The second dose is given at least 1 month after the first, and the third dose is given at least 5 months after the first dose. Routine vaccination is recommended at age 11 to 12 years. |
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