The CDC has a schedule that relates to the immunization schedule of a child when they reach a milestone birthday. Following are the ages that doctors administer certain vaccinations or booster vaccinations to their children. This schedule is used across the United States. There may also be other factors that are considered when determining the vaccination schedule, such as:
- The health of your child at the time when the vaccine is due
- Types of vaccination
- Vaccines are available at the time
These lists are intended to guide parents on when and which vaccines they should receive.
A doctor can combine vaccines in order to reduce the number of shots that the child will receive.
The schedule begins generally within 24 hours after the child’s birth. The doctor can start the schedule any time if, for unknown reasons, the child has never had these first vaccinations. If the child is sick or has a low weight, the doctor will not administer the vaccines 24 hours after the birth. In such cases, doctors wait until the patient is ready to be discharged from the hospital. The doctor might decide to wait one month before starting a vaccination schedule.
- The infant will receive their first vaccination shortly after birth , the Hep B vaccine.
- After the first Hep B vaccination, the doctor will administer a second Hep B shot one to two months after.
Table of Contents
- The following vaccinations are administered to the baby at the age of 2 months.
- The Influenza
- Vaccination is administered to children between the ages of 6 and 18 months.
- The child receives a vaccination at 12-15 months.
- Age 12-23 months
- Age 15 to 18 months
- From four to six, the child is entitled to a free meal.
- The child is eligible for the program between the ages of four and six.
- The child can receive the
- Age 16 to 18
- Hep A vaccine
- MMR
- Flu Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccines
- Meningococcal Vaccines
- Fact versus Fiction
- Book your child’s immunizations today
The following vaccinations are administered to the baby at the age of 2 months.
- DTap is a combination of the diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccination
- The Hib vaccine or Hemophilus influenza type B vaccine
- The IPV, or inactivated Poliovirus vaccine.
- The PCV or pneumococcal vaccination
- Rotavirus or RV vaccine
When the child is four months old, the doctor will administer the following vaccinations.
- DTap
- Hib
- IPV
- PCV
- RV
When the child reaches six months, the doctor will administer the following vaccines: DTap and hib
The brand of Hib vaccine used by the doctor in previous Hib vaccinations will determine the third dose.
- PCV
- RV (This third RV vaccine depends on the brand of the vaccination the doctor used for the previous RV immunizations.
The Influenza
The criteria for the flu vaccine are different. The flu vaccine is recommended for every child starting at six months of age. Flu vaccinations are available as nasal sprays or injections. The type of vaccine given depends on the child’s age. Both types are equally effective in fighting the flu. The nasal spray can only be used on healthy children aged between two and 49 years.
- The doctor will administer this vaccine in two doses, one month apart, if the child is less than nine years old and has received a flu shot for the first time or previously.
- Children older than nine years old should receive one dose
The nasal spray should not be used if the child is chronically ill, has chronic illnesses such as asthma or a pregnant woman.
Vaccination is administered to children between the ages of 6 and 18 months.
- Hep B
- IPV
The child receives a vaccination at 12-15 months.
- Hib
- MMR is also known as measles mumps rubella
- PCV
- Chickenpox
Age 12-23 months
- Hepatitis A or Hep A vaccine. This is a two-shot vaccination that is spaced six months apart.
Age 15 to 18 months
- DTap
From four to six, the child is entitled to a free meal.
- DTap
- MMR
- IPV
- Varicella
When the child is between four and six years old, he or she receives a free meal.
- MMR
- IPV
- Varicella
The child can receive the
- The Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine is used to prevent genital cancers and warts. HPV is administered in two doses over a period of six to twelve months.
As early as 9 years old, the HPV can still be administered.
The HPV vaccine can be given to a child between 15 and 26. Both boys and girls can get the HPV vaccine.
Three shots are administered over a period of six months.
- Tdap booster
- Meningococcal vaccine
Age 16 to 18
- It is recommended that you receive a booster dose of meningococcal vaccination at 16 years old
- MenB, or the meningococcal b vaccine, is administered in two to three doses, depending on which brand of vaccine the doctor uses. This is a choice vaccination that the teenager, their parents and doctor can decide on.
When getting these vaccines, there can be some special circumstances that you should consider. These are the scenarios.
-
Hep A vaccine
If the baby is traveling with its parents to a place where Hep A can be found, this vaccine should be administered at six-month. Your child should be given Hep A if they are older and have not had it before. The child should receive Hep A at one-year.
-
MMR
If the parents are traveling abroad, this vaccine can be administered as early as 6 months. This vaccination is important for children between the ages of 12-15 months and 4 to 6 years. If the child will be travelling to a risky area of the country, he or she can receive a second dose at four week following the first vaccination.
-
Flu Vaccine
This vaccination is recommended for children with high-risk concerns. Children who are less than five years old, children with chronic health issues, children who have immunity problems and those with issues such as HIV/AIDS, CP/MS, and sickle-cell anemia, all fall under the high-risk category.
-
Pneumococcal Vaccines
This vaccine is suitable for children from two onwards, particularly if they have immunity problems, HIV, heart diseases, lung disease or diabetes. Consult your doctor before deciding.
-
Meningococcal Vaccines
The doctor can administer this vaccine at 8 weeks, depending on which brand he uses. This is especially true if the child has auto immune disorders and is at high risk of meningitis. This vaccination is required if the child will be traveling to a high-risk country where meningitis outbreaks are frequent or a regular occurrence.
Fact versus Fiction
Children are protected from childhood diseases by vaccinations. Researchers discovered various vaccines for childhood illnesses and doctors began to vaccinate their children. As a result, the incidence of these diseases has decreased significantly. Parents believe these childhood diseases are gone and no longer pose a threat. They no longer need to think about vaccinations. This is a false narrative.
Children will be at risk if doctors stop giving these vaccines, or if parents believe falsely that these diseases have disappeared. Parents should consult their doctor, CDC or public health to determine if the vaccine can be given during an outbreak. At this stage, it may be too late for vaccination.
A childhood disease outbreak occurs when numbers increase in a specific area of the country. When only two cases of a disease are reported, this signals an outbreak that could grow into a pandemic.
Book your child’s immunizations today
North Texas Medical Center is passionate about sharing vital information regarding healthcare. Our hospital is a level four trauma center located in Gainesville. We love to educate the public. Our facility is an industry leader, serving the communities of Gainesville and the surrounding areas. Our facility has a number of specialty departments, including a pediatrics department. Please call us today at 904-665-1751 if we can help you with the immunization schedule for your child or answer any of your questions. Visit our website to learn more.
