Immunization
Schedule
Getting
your child regularly immunized is a vital part in keeping him
healthy. Vaccinations against infectious diseases, like hepatitis
B or rubella, will help protect him throughout his lifetime from
sickness and even death. For school-age and college-bound
children, immunizations are mandatory for admission to grade
school and college.
To be effective, these inoculations must be administered at
specific ages during your child's early life. Use our checklist
below to help you keep your kids up-to-date on all their necessary
shots.
NOTE: The immunization schedule can change
due to the development of new vaccines. You should review the
schedule with your child's pediatrician during annual visits.
Print out a copy of this list to take with you on your next visit
to the pediatrician.
BIRTH
- 18 MONTHS:
HEPATITIS
B (Hep. B) - Untreated hepatitis B can lead to serious liver
damage. The inoculation schedule is one shot, followed by two
boosters.
Babies born in hospitals are usually given this shot while they
are in the hospital. Infants born at home or in non-traditional
birthing centers should be inoculated soon after birth.
DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, PERTUSSIS (DTP vaccine) -
Diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) are diseases of the
respiratory tract while tetanus (lockjaw)--usually caused by
animal bites or cuts from rusted metals--is a disease of the
nervous system. The inoculation for this series is one shot
followed by three boosters.
HIB VACCINE (Haemophilus influenzae, type B) -
babies are especially susceptible to haemophilus influenzae,
type B. This is the bacterial infection responsible for most ear
infections in infants. The inoculation schedule is one shot
followed by three boosters.
POLIOVIRUS (IPV vaccine) - the poliovirus attacks the
nervous and lymphatic systems of the body which can lead to
temporary or permanent paralysis. The inoculation schedule is one initial
shot and two boosters.
MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR vaccine) - this combination
vaccine helps protect against three of the most common childhood
diseases: measles (an infection of the respiratory system
characterized by a splotchy, pink/red rash), mumps (a viral
infection that causes the salivary glands in the cheeks and jaws
to become swollen and tender) and rubella, also known as German
measles, (a viral infection that often causes swelling of the
glands behind the neck and ears).
Initial shot:
12 months
VARICELLA (Var. vaccine) - Varicella (also known as
chicken pox) is a highly contagious, infectious virus that can
cause a serious rash and lead to serious complications. Take your
baby for a Var. vaccination on or after 1 year of age, especially
if your child will be going into group day care where the virus
can be spread very quickly.
Initial shot:
12 - 18 months
4
- 6 YEARS
DTP
The 5th booster.
IPV
The 4th booster.
MMR
This is the second shot of MMR for your child. Also, keep in mind
that the second dose is recommended at this time, but may be
administered if 4 weeks have passed since the first shot. Also,
both doses must be administered on or after 1 year of age.
11
- 16 YEARS
Tetanus
(Td vaccine)
Take your child to the doctor for a Td shot between the ages of 11
and 12 only if 5 years have passed since the last dose of DTaP,
DTP or DT. A Td booster is recommended every 10 years.
Hep. B
Start the series now, if earlier vaccinations were missed or given
before the recommended minimum age.
MMR
If your child has not already received the second vaccination of
MMR, make sure he or she does by the ages of 11 - 12.
Var. Vaccine
Susceptible children who are 13 or older should receive two
vaccinations of Var, administered at least 4 weeks apart.
2
- 12 YEARS
Hepatitis A (Havrix)
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver. However, this infection is
almost always temporary. According to the Hepatitis Information
Network they recommend the Hep. A vaccine for "long-term or
frequent travelers to endemic regions; residents of communities
with high endemic rates of hepatitis A; residents and staff of
institutions for the mentally handicapped." Check with your
state health agency for details.
This information was compiled from The Center
for Disease Control's National Immunization Program Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/)
and THE HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL FAMILY HEALTH
GUIDE (Simon and Schuster).
This
information is not intended to be a substitute for professional
medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or
treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a
qualified
healthcare
provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding
your child's condition.
