Childhood Vaccinations*

To keep your child healthy, have him or her vaccinated (immunized) against diseases. Many vaccinations are given in a series of doses. To be protected, your child needs each dose at the right time. Vaccines may cause mild side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of vaccines. Also talk to your healthcare provider about any missed vaccinations. Your child will need catch-up vaccinations to be completely protected. Low-cost or free vaccinations may be offered at clinics and doctors’ offices.

Hepatitis B (HepB): Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that can damage the liver and result in jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes). Some people may later develop liver cancer or liver failure. The HepB vaccination schedule is usually as follows:

• First dose: Soon after birth, before going home from the hospital

• Second dose: 1 through 2 months old

• Final dose: 6 through 18 months old

Your healthcare provider can tell you whether the schedule for your child is different.

Rotavirus: Rotavirus disease is caused by the rotavirus. The illness involves severe vomiting and diarrhea (acute gastroenteritis) in young children, and can lead to dehydration. Children who are severely dehydrated often need to be hospitalized. The rotavirus vaccine is given in 3 doses: 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria and can lead to difficulty swallowing and enlarged glands on the sides of the neck. In severe cases, heart muscles can be damaged and the breathing muscles paralyzed. Tetanus (lockjaw) is caused by a bacteria and can lead to muscle spasms that keep people from opening their mouths or swallowing. Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by a bacteria and results in coughing and choking spells. It can also lead to pneumonia or brain damage in infants. The DTaP vaccine is given in 5 doses: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years. Note: Your child also needs an extra dose (called the Tdap) at 11 through 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 influenzaetype b (Hib): Haemophilus influenzae type b is caused by a bacteria and can result in meningitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord). It can also cause pneumonia. The Hib vaccine is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 through 15 months. Note: If the PRP-OMP type vaccine is given at 2 months and 4 months, the dose at 6 months can be skipped. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about this.

Inactivated Polio: Polio is caused by a virus. It can lead to permanent paralysis of the muscles, including the muscles that control breathing. Polio can also cause death. The polio vaccine is given in 4 doses: 2 months, 4 months, 6 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Measles is caused by a virus and can lead to fever and rash. It can also cause hearing loss, brain damage, or death. Mumps is caused by a virus and can result in fever, headache, and swollen, painful glands under the jaw. It can prevent males from later having children. Mumps can also lead to hearing loss or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Rubella (German measles) is caused by a virus and can result in fever, swollen glands, and rash. If a pregnant woman develops rubella, the baby may be born with severe health problems. The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses: 12 through 15 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Varicella (Var): Varicella (chickenpox) is caused by a virus and results in itchy skin blisters. In rare cases, pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may develop and lead to death. This vaccine is given in 2 doses: 12 through 15 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Meningococcal (MCV4): Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria and leads to meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis results in high fever, headache, and stiff neck. Left untreated, it can result in other serious health problems, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability. In rare cases, it can cause death. The vaccine is given at age 11 through 12, and to unvaccinated adolescents when they enter high school (age 15). College freshmen living in dormitories should be vaccinated if they have not been immunized before.   

Pneumococcal (PCV): Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacteria. It can affect the brain and spinal cord, lungs, and ears. This vaccine is given in 4 doses: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 through 15 months.

Influenza (flu): Influenza is caused by a virus and can lead to fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. It can also result in pneumonia and death, especially in very young children. The flu vaccine is given every year during the autumn. Children 6 months through 4 years can receive the vaccine. Children 6 months or older who have a chronic health problem (such as diabetes or asthma), or who are on long-term aspirin therapy, should also receive the vaccine. Your healthcare provider can tell you if your child should be immunized against the flu. Children 6 months through 8 years who have never received the flu vaccine will be given 2 doses.

Hepatitis A (HepA): Hepatitis A is caused by a virus and can result in acute liver inflammation and jaundice. The HepA vaccine is given in 2 doses at least 6 months apart, starting at 1 year of age.

Human Papilloma (HPV): Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted desease (STD) caused by a virus. Infection with 4 types of the virus can result in cervical cancer in women. The vaccine protects against these 4 types. The HPV vaccine is for girls only and is given in 3 doses:

• First dose: 11 through 12 years of age

• Second dose: 2 months after first dose

• Third dose: 4 months after second dose

The youngest age a girl can receive the vaccine is 9 years old. Your healthcare provider can tell you if the vaccine is right for your child.

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