An immunization schedule is designed to ensure children are receiving the proper vaccines at the best time, to protect them from potential infections and diseases. Immunizations help protect individuals from infections and prevent potential spreading of diseases that can cause serious health complications. Longstreet Clinic Pediatrics believes that immunizations are essential for disease prevention.
Pediatric immunization schedules are dependent on your child’s age and health. A newborn will receive vaccines to prevent potential infections from approximately 14 different diseases. Infants are highly vulnerable to infectious bacteria; therefore it is critical to protect them by following the recommended infant immunization schedule. Several immunizations require more than one dosage and there are some that are not appropriate until your child reaches a certain age.
Infant Immunization Schedule
Longstreet Clinic Pediatrics vaccine schedule for infants:
- A newborn will receive the first dose of Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine at birth.
- At the age of 2 months, there is a series of vaccinations recommended for children. At this time, combination vaccines are generally offered to reduce the number of injections administered in a single visit.
- HepB – Second dose of Hepatitis B vaccine
- RV- First dose of Rotavirus Vaccine
- DTaP – First dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis
- Hib – First dose of Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- PCV13 – First dose against pneumococcal infections
- IPV – First dose of Inactivate Poliovirus
- Once your child reaches 4 months, there are follow-up dosages for the vaccinations that were received at 2 months. If a vaccination was missed, be sure to check with your pediatrician about scheduling a “catch-up” appointment.
- RV- Second dose of Rotavirus Vaccine
- DTaP – Second dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis
- Hib – Second dose of Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- PCV13 – Second dose against pneumococcal infections
- IPV – Second dose of Inactivate Poliovirus
- A third round of dosages for previous vaccinations received is administered once a child is 6 months old. An annual influenza vaccine is optional but highly recommend at this time and should be repeated each year.
- HepB – Third dose of Hepatitis B vaccine
- RV- Third dose of Rotavirus Vaccine
- DTaP – Third dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis
- Hib – Third dose of Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- PCV13 – Third dose against pneumococcal
- IPV – Third dose of Inactivate Poliovirus
- Influenza Vaccine
- At 12 months of age:
- MMR – First dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine
- First dose of Varicella
- HepA – First dose of Hepatitis A vaccine (2 doses given approximately 6 months apart)
- The final dosages of Hib, PCV13 and DTaP are administered between the ages 15 and 18 months. There are also several other vaccines introduced at this age.
- Hib – Fourth dose of Haemophilus Influenzae type B
- PCV13 – Fourth dose against pneumococcal infections
- DTaP – Fourth dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis (Typically administered between 15 and 18 months but must be at least 6 months from the previous dose
- Influenza Vaccine
In some cases, vaccines may be offered as part of a combination to reduce the number of shots your child receives in particular time frame. The schedule is updated each year depending on the release of a new vaccine or changes in a current recommended immunizations. It is important to consult with your pediatrician on the necessary vaccinations for your child.
Child Immunization Schedule
Ages 2 & 3
Between the ages of 2 and 3 there are vaccines recommended if the final dosage has not yet been given or if an additional dose is necessary. The annual influenza vaccination is also recommended at this age.
- HepA – Second dose of Hepatitis A vaccine if it was not received 6 months following the first dose
- PCV13 – Fourth dose of Penumococcal (if needed)
- Influenza Vaccine
Ages 4 to 6
The final dosages of several vaccines are generally scheduled to be administered before a child begins kindergarten.
- DTaP – Fifth dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis
- IPV – Fourth dose of Inactivate Poliovirus
- MMR – Second dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine
- Second dose of Varicella
- Influenza Vaccine
Ages 7 to 10
Between the ages 7 and 10 is a time for children who are behind on their schedule or who have missed doses of the recommended vaccinations to schedule “catch-up” appointments. During this time it is also advised that children receive the Influenza vaccination each year.
Ages 11 & 12
Once your child reaches the age of adolescence, there are several new vaccinations that are recommended for both boys and girls. One of the vaccines is administered as a series of three injections over a six-month period.
- Tdap – Single dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis Booster (boosters are an extra administration of a vaccine after a previous dosage to provide continued protection from infectious diseases)
- MCV4 – Single dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- HPV – Human Papillomavirus vaccine (Recommended as 3 doses over a 6-month time frame)
Ages 16 & 18
- Booster dose of MCV4-Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- For unvaccinated teenagers attending college, it is likely that the MCV4 vaccine for meningitis will be a requirement for admissions. Other vaccines that are generally requirements for many colleges or universities are Hepatitis B which is a three-dose series, MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine), two doses, and Tdap to protect against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis. The Tdap vaccine is also recommended for young adults who become pregnant.
- Influenza immunizations are recommended during this age as well.
If your child suffers from medical conditions such as diabetes or if you are planning to travel outside of the United States, it is advised that you contact your doctor to discuss whether or not a different immunization schedule is needed for your child. Always talk to your pediatrician about any questions or concerns regarding your child’s vaccine schedule.
