The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have established a specific timeline for vaccinations. The timeline will vary slightly from year to year, as new vaccines are released and as more information becomes available on existing vaccines. As of June 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following vaccination schedule:

– Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB). At birth, all newborns should receive a HepB vaccination. Generally, this should take place within 12 hours of birth. A second dose should be given at 1-2 months, followed by a final does at age 24 weeks.

– Diptheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). Dtap should be adminstered at 2 months, at 4 months, and again at 6 months. The third does comes at 15-18 months. A final does comes at 4 years old. Subsequent tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) are recommended every 10 years.

– Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib). These vaccinations occur at 2 months, 4 months, and 12 months. Depending on the particular vaccine used, a 6 month dose may be necessary as well.

– Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). The first MMR vaccine takes place at 12 months. The second and final dose should take place at least 4 weeks after the first dose, and no later than 11-12 years.

– Varicella vaccine. This is the chickenpox vaccine. This is recommended at or after 12 months of age. There are 2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart.

– Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4). This vaccine is given to children at the age of 11 years, or as a child prepares to enter college.

– Pneumococcal vaccine. The heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is recommended for all children aged 223 months and for certain children aged 2459 months. The final dose in the series should be given at around age 12 months.

– Influenza vaccine. The Flu vaccine is recommended annually for children above the age of 6 months who have certain risk factors.

– Hepatitis A vaccine (HepA). HepA should be given to all children who are at least 12 months old. There are two doses that must be administered at least 6 months apart.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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