In order to protect your child from potentially dangerous diseases, regularly scheduled vaccinations are important. Follow your doctor recommended schedule, and be sure to get an annual flu shot before peak season. Here is the current schedule for children under 18:
0 to 15 Months
During the first 15 months of a child’s life they will receive a large number of vaccinations. Shots your child will need to receive include:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular pertussis
- Haemophilus Influenza Type B
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Inactivated Poliovirus
- Influenza
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A
Your doctor may recommend receiving additional vaccinations on other hazardous disease, depending on the health of your child. Many of the listed vaccinations do require several doses. Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) and varicella are the two your child will likely only need one dose (in the first 15 months) for.
18 Months Until 18 Years
For the next 18 years, requirements and recommendations often vary based on current health concerns. There is often a wider window for the booster shots as well.
The 3rd dosage of Hepatitis B is needed at 18 months, as is the 4th dose of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, the third dose of inactivated poliovirus, the second of Hepatitis A and possibly an annual influenza shot.
After this, booster shots are required from the age of 4 and 6 for diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, MMR and varicella. Between the ages of 11 and 12, vaccines for meningococcal, tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis are required. Vaccines for HPV may also be recommended.
Doctor’s Orders
New vaccines may become available, and the schedule for vaccinations may change as medicine advances. Federal law requires health care providers to give you an information sheet before administering most vaccines.
