The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a number of vaccines for babies beginning at birth through age two. Find out which vaccines are recommended and at what times with the following recommended vaccination schedule for children from birth to two years old.
Recommended Vaccines
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP): Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that results in suffocation, heart failure, and paralysis. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes painful spasms and muscle stiffness. Pertussis, or whooping cough, initially causes symptoms similar to the common cold but can result in seizures, pneumonia, brain damage, and death. The combination DTaP vaccine should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 15 and 18 months.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Haemophilus influenza type b is the leading cause of meningitis. The Hib vaccine should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, and between 12 and 15 months.
Hepatitis A (HepA): Hepatitis A is a liver infection that can result in death and which is spread through contact with infected feces. The HepA vaccine should be administered in two doses between 12 and 24 months.
Hepatitis B (HepB): Hepatitis B is a liver infection that causes liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer and which is spread through contact with infected blood and other bodily fluids. The HepB vaccine should be administered at birth, between 1 and 2 months, and between 6 to 18 months.
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): The poliovirus is a viral infection that results in paralysis or death. The IPV vaccine should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, and between 6 and 18 months.
Influenza (Flu): Influenza is a viral infection that often results in pneumonia, bronchitis, or death in young children. The Flu vaccine should be administered yearly beginning after six months of age. The first time the flu vaccine is administered, the child will need two doses spaced two to four weeks apart.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Measles is a viral infection that often causes pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death. Mumps can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss, swelling of the testes, and sterility. Rubella, or German measles, causes fever, swollen glands, and a rash; rubella is most dangerous for pregnant women, resulting in birth defects or death of the fetus. The combination MMR vaccine should be administered between 12 and 15 months.
Pneumococcal (PCV): Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis as well as hearing loss, vision loss, and death. The PCV vaccine should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months.
Rotavirus (RV): The rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration and the number one cause of hospitalization for infants. The RV vaccine should be administered at 2 months and 4 months.
Varicella (Var): Varicella, or chicken pox, can result in severe infections of the skin, brain, or lungs; sterility, and death. The Var vaccine should be administered between 12 and 15 months.
Vaccination Schedule
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace the professional medical advice from your pediatrician. Additional information about the recommended vaccination schedule is available from the CDC or your health care professional.
References
Behen, Madonna. 2011. Sure shots: Your 18-month vaccine timeline. American Baby (Jan.).
Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 6 years: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf
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Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 6 years: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf
