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Childhood Vaccination Schedule*

Vaccine

Disease Prevented

Immunization Schedule

Hepatitis (HepB)

Hepatitis B, an infection that can cause chronic, severe liver disease

1st: Birth

2nd: 1 through 2 months after the 1st

3rd: 6 through 18 months

Rotavirus (Rota)

Rotavirus infection, which causes severe diarrhea in infants and children up to 2 years old

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)

Diphtheria, a disease that causes inflammation of the throat and airways, which can block breathing

Tetanus (lockjaw), a disease that causes severe, painful spasms of neck, jaw, and other muscles; can cause death

Pertussis (whooping cough), a disease that causes prolonged loud coughing and gasping; can prevent breathing and cause death

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

4th: 15 through 18 months

5th: 4 through 6 years

Note: Your child also needs an extra dose (called the Tdap) at 11–12 years old, if he or she has not received a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster. The Td booster should then be received every 10 years throughout life.

Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib)

A severe bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia (lung infection), meningitis (brain infection), and other serious infections

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months (your healthcare provider will tell you if this one is needed)

4th: 12 through 15 months

Inactivated Poliovirus

Polio, an infection that can paralyze the muscles

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 through 18 months

4th: 4 through 6 years

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Measles, a disease that can lead to brain inflammation

Mumps, a disease that may affect ovaries and testes

Rubella (German measles), a disease that, if caught by a pregnant woman, can cause birth defects

1st: 12 through 15 months

2nd: 4 through 6 years

Varicella (Var)

Chickenpox, a disease that causes itchy skin bumps, with fever and fatigue; can lead to scarring, pneumonia, or brain inflammation

1st: 12 through 15 months

2nd: 4 through 6 years

Meningococcal (MCV4)

Bacterial meningitis, inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It can result in death.

Once at 11 through 12 years or at 15 years (high school entry). College freshmen should be vaccinated if they have not been immunized before.

Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease, which can lead to pneumonia (lung infection), meningitis (brain infection), or bacteremia (blood infection). It can also cause ear infections.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

4th: 12 through 15 months

Influenza

Flu, different strains of which appear each year.

Yearly for children 6 months through 18 years old.

Note: Children 6 months through 8 years old who have never received the flu vaccine will be given 2 doses.

Hepatitis A (HepA)

Hepatitis A, an infection that can result in acute inflammation and jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes)

Starting at age 1, two doses at least 6 months apart

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Four types of genital HPV infection, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), which can cause cervical cancer in women.

For girls only

1st: 11 through 12 years

2nd: 2 months after 1st

3rd: 4 months after 2nd

(Youngest age for vaccination is 9 years.)

*Based on the CDC National Immunization Program recommendations (January 2008).

Note: Certain immunizations can still be given after the ages shown on this schedule. These vaccinations are recommended for the general population. Additional vaccinations may be recommended for children in high-risk groups or in certain states or regions. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider.

Online Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MMWR 54(52);Q1-Q4 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5451-Immunizationa1.htm?s_cid=mm5451-Immunizationa1_e
Online Medical Reviewer: Godsey, Cynthia M.S., M.S.N., APRN
Online Medical Reviewer: Lambert, J.G. M.D.
Date Last Reviewed: 5/3/2005
Date Last Modified: 5/28/2008