vaccine schedule

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The childhood vaccine schedule provides a timeline for when children should receive vaccines to protect them against various diseases. The schedule is designed to ensure that children are protected as early as possible from preventable diseases. Below is a general outline of the vaccine schedule, following guidelines from agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Note that schedules can vary slightly depending on the country or region.

Birth to 6 Years

Birth

  • Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose

1-2 Months

  • Hepatitis B (HepB): Second dose (given 1–2 months after first dose)

2 Months

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): First dose
  • IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine): First dose
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B): First dose
  • PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine): First dose
  • Rotavirus (RV): First dose
  • DTaP: Second dose
  • IPV: Second dose
  • Hib: Second dose
  • PCV: Second dose
  • Rotavirus (RV): Second dose

6 Months

  • DTaP: Third dose
  • IPV: Third dose (can be given between 6–18 months)
  • Hib: Third dose (if using 4-dose schedule)
  • PCV: Third dose
  • Rotavirus (RV): Third dose (if using 3-dose vaccine)
  • Hepatitis B (HepB): Third dose (given between 6–18 months)
  • Influenza: Annual vaccination starts at 6 months

12-15 Months

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): First dose
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): First dose
  • Hib: Final dose (3rd or 4th depending on vaccine type)
  • PCV: Final dose
  • Hepatitis A (HepA): First dose (second dose to be given 6 months after first)

15-18 Months

  • DTaP: Fourth dose

4-6 Years

  • DTaP: Fifth (and final) dose
  • IPV: Fourth (and final) dose
  • MMR: Second dose
  • Varicella: Second dose

7-18 Years

11-12 Years

  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis booster)
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus vaccine): Two doses if given at ages 11–12, three doses if started later
  • Meningococcal vaccine: First dose

16 Years

  • Meningococcal vaccine: Second dose

Annual Influenza Vaccine

  • Children (and adults) are recommended to get the flu vaccine every year starting at 6 months of age.

Additional Considerations:

  • Some vaccines may vary slightly in timing or number of doses, depending on the vaccine manufacturer or national immunization schedules.
  • Children with specific health conditions or traveling to certain regions may receive additional vaccines.