Although antibodies against certain diseases are passed to babies from their mothers at birth and through breast milk, the protection is not permanent. To create permanent immunity, vaccines are used which introduce small amounts of weakened or killed pathogens that cause disease.
The schedule of recommended vaccines begins at birth and parents often find the volume of necessary vaccines to be staggering. This article will examine the most important vaccines that should be received, the diseases they guard against, and when they should be received.
Recommended Vaccinations
Chickenpox: The vaccine guards against the chickenpox (varicella), a highly contagious viral illness. Administered as an injection when children are 12 to 15 months of age. A booster shot is also given at 4 to 6 years of age to add further protection.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Diphtheria infects the throat and can lead to blocked airways and breathing problems. Tetanus is caused by bacterial infections that contaminate a wound and can occur at any age. Pertussis is a respiratory illness that can produce severe coughing (whooping cough). The DTaP immunization is administered over a series of five shots, typically issued at ages:
* 2 months
* 4 months
* 6 months
* 15 to 18 months
* 4 to 6 years
Hepatitis A: Causing nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and fever, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for kids 1 year and older. A second dose is required a minimum of 6 months later.
Hepatitis B: Affecting the liver, hepatitis B can lead to mild illness lasting a few weeks or lifelong infection. Lifelong infection can lead to liver issues, like cirrhosis or cancer, later in life. Children are administered the hepatitis B vaccine over a course of three injections:
* Shortly after birth
* At 1 to 2 months old
* At 6 to 18 month old
Hib: Once the leading causes of meningitis in kids under 5 years of age, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is given through shots at ages:
* 2 months
* 4 months
* 6 months
* A booster at 12 to 15 months
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A virus that can cause genital warts and cancer, HPV spreads through sex and certain skin-to-skin contact. The vaccine is issued through a course of injections:
* Kids between 9 to 14 receive the vaccine in 2 injections over a 6-12 month timeframe.
* Young adults 15 to 26 receive 3 injections during a 6 month period.
Influenza: A viral infection of the throat, lungs, and nose, the flu vaccine is recommended every year for patients 6 months and older.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Children are issued the MMR vaccine over a course of 2 doses:
* Age 12 to 15 months
* Age 4 to 6 years
Meningococcal: Vaccines to guard against meningococcal disease that can lead to serious infections and bacterial meningitis. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all children. The shot is given when children are 11 or 12 with a booster shot at 16.
Pneumococcal (PCV): Spread via contact with an infected person, the bacteria infections can lead to blood infections, bacterial meningitis, and pneumonia. Children are given the immunizations over a course of four shots:
* 2 months
* 4 months
* 6 months
* 12 to 15 months
Polio (IPV): A viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis, polio vaccines are issued over four shots:
* 2 months
* 4 months
* 6 to 18 months
* 4 to 6 years
Rotavirus: A common virus causing diarrhea and vomiting, rotavirus typically impacts infants and young kids. The vaccine is issued orally as a liquid when children are:
* 2 months
* 4 months
* 6 months