A child’s immune system is more vulnerable to illness and infectious diseases, which is why, each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues its recommended childhood vaccination schedules.
Let’s talk about why immunization is so important for a child and where you can go in Tuckahoe, New York, for child immunization.
Immunization is important to prevent and protect your child against dangerous illnesses, such as:
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A and B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Chickenpox
In addition, many schools require vaccinations before your child can start the school year. If your child doesn’t receive their vaccinations, they might not be able to attend class.
With that in mind, here is a schedule of the vaccinations your child should get and when.
Immunization Schedule by Age Group
Immunizations should start during infancy and be updated throughout childhood. Since it is easier to prevent disease than treat it once your child becomes sick, most childhood vacations are administered before six.
Annual influenza – or flu – vaccine is recommended for everyone by the CDC, including children six months and older. A child’s first flu shot is delivered in two doses at least one month apart. Afterward, only one shot is needed each year.
Babies receive their first immunizations starting at birth. Between the ages of birth to 18 months, immunizations for newborns include:
- Hepatitis B – The Hep B vaccine requires three total doses – one at birth, the second when your child is between one and two months, and the third between six and 18 months.
- Rotavirus – Your child may require more than one dose of this vaccine, the first of which is given at two months old and then at four months. If necessary, a third dose is given at six months old, but no later.
- Rotavirus – Depending on the manufacturer of the vaccine, your child may need two or three doses of the rotavirus vaccine at 2 months old, four months old, and, if needed, at six months old.
- DTaP – Short for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, this vaccine requires five doses. The first four are administered at two months, four months, six months, and between 15 and 18 months old.
- Hib – The Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine may require up to three doses given at two months, four months, and between 12 and 15 months old. If a fourth dose is needed, it is given at six months old.
- PCV – The pneumococcal vaccine is a series of four doses that occur at two months, four months, six months, and between 12 and 15 months old.
- IPV – The poliovirus vaccine is also a four-dose series, the first three are recommended at two months, four months, and between six and 18 months old.
- MMR – The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is administered in two doses, with the first MMR vaccine dose given between 12 and 15 months old.
- Varicella – The chickenpox vaccine requires two doses, with the first shot given between 12 and 15 months old.
- Hep A – The hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses, with the first shot recommended at 12 months old.
Recommended childhood vaccines from ages 4 to 6 years old
Often referred to as “kindergarten vaccines,” these immunizations may be given in a combined single shot. They include:
- DTaP – A fifth and final diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine.
- IPV – A fourth and final poliovirus vaccine.
- MMR – The second and final dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
- Varicella – The second and final dose of the chickenpox vaccine.
Ages 11 to 12 years old
These “middle school” immunizations – plus a booster dose – are aimed at diseases your teen is at higher risk for. They include:
- Tdapboosts your child’s tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis immunity.
- MenACWYprotects against the most common types of meningococcal bacteria that often causes meningitis.
- HPV protects against the human papillomavirus vaccine.
Ages 16 to 18 years old
Between these ages, a second and final meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine shot is recommended. Also, a meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine may be recommended if your child’s college or university requires it or if there is a bacterial meningitis outbreak. The vaccine is delivered in two doses, the second of which is administered depending on the vaccine’s manufacturer.
Child Immunization Clinic in Tuckahoe, New York
Village Pediatric Group in Tuckahoe, New York, can get your child up to date on their vaccines and assist with any records their school requires. We’ve made specific accommodations, like kids-only appointment hours, to make bringing your child in for their shots quick, easy, and comfortable.
Call us today at (914) 771-7070to schedule your child’s appointment for vaccinations. Our pediatricians will create a vaccine schedule for them and help you stay up to date with it. Alternatively, you can use our online appointment request form.
