From the moment a child is born, parents and guardians want to ensure their precious little one grows up healthy and strong. One important factor in achieving this goal is through children’s immunizations or shots.
But with so many vaccines available and schedules constantly changing, it can be overwhelming for parents to keep track of what shots are given at what age.
This blog will break down the recommended children’s immunizations and explain why you should get your child vaccinated for flu, RSV, and COVID now.
Why Are Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding your child’s health. They help build immunity against potentially serious diseases without having to contract the diseases first.
This is incredibly important for maintaining adolescent health and ensuring that our communities stay safe and healthy.
When children get vaccinated, they are not only protecting themselves but also preventing the spread of diseases to others. This community immunity, or herd immunity, helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Children’s Immunization Schedule from Birth to 18 Years
The following information outlines the recommended immunization schedule based on CDC guidelines for children from birth to 18 years. At your child’s wellness visits at a pediatrician‘s office, your pediatrician will give your child his or her dosages according to this schedule as closely as possible.
Immunization Schedule for Infants (Birth to 6 Months)
When it comes to vaccinations, the first six months are busy. Here is a breakdown:
Birth
- Hepatitis B (1st dose): Protects against hepatitis B.
2 Months
- Hepatitis B (2nd dose): Continued protection.
- DTaP (1st dose): Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
- Hib (1st dose): Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b.
- Polio (IPV) (1st dose): Protects against polio.
- PCV (1st dose): Protects against pneumococcal disease.
- Rotavirus (1st dose): Protects against rotavirus, which causes diarrhea.
4 Months
- DTaP (2nd dose)
- Hib (2nd dose)
- Polio (IPV) (2nd dose)
- PCV (2nd dose)
- Rotavirus (2nd dose)
6 Months
- Hepatitis B (3rd dose)
- DTaP (3rd dose)
- Hib (3rd dose)
- Polio (IPV) (3rd dose)
- PCV (3rd dose)
- Rotavirus (3rd dose)
The first year is packed with vaccinations because babies are particularly vulnerable to infections. Keeping up with the immunization schedule for children is crucial during this time.
Children’s Immunization Schedule for Toddlers (12 to 24 Months)
After the first year, the frequency of vaccinations decreases, but there are still important shots to get.
12 to 15 Months
- MMR (1st dose): Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Varicella (1st dose): Protects against chickenpox.
- Hepatitis A (1st dose): Protects against hepatitis A, a liver infection.
- Hib (4th dose)
- PCV (4th dose)
18 Months
- DTaP (4th dose)
- Hepatitis A (2nd dose)
24 Months
By the age of two, most children’s immunizations are well on track, and they begin to receive fewer vaccines.
Preschool and Early School Years (4 to 6 Years)
Before starting school, a few additional vaccines are necessary to continue protecting your child.
- DTaP (5th dose)
- Polio (IPV) (4th dose)
- MMR (2nd dose)
- Varicella (2nd dose)
These boosters ensure your child maintains immunity as they grow and interact with more children.
Preteen and Teen Years (7 to 18 Years)
Vaccinations are not just for babies and toddlers. Adolescents also need specific immunizations to ensure lasting protection into adulthood.
11 to 12 Years
- Tdap (1st dose): Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
- HPV (1st dose): Protects against human papillomavirus, which can cause certain cancers.
- Meningococcal (1st dose): Protects against meningococcal disease.
16 Years
- Meningococcal (2nd dose)
During the adolescent stage, these vaccines are particularly important to protect against diseases that can have severe consequences.
The Importance of Flu, RSV, and COVID Vaccines
As we approach the flu season, it is crucial to ensure your child is protected against respiratory illnesses that tend to circulate more in colder months. Vaccinations against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 play an essential role in keeping your little one healthy.
Flu Vaccine
The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older as the flu can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, and getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce the risk.
It not only helps in protecting your child but also in preventing the spread of the flu to others, contributing to community health.
RSV Vaccine
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the respiratory tract, leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children. New vaccines are available to protect against RSV and are particularly recommended for high-risk groups, such as premature infants or children with certain health conditions.
Consult with your pediatrician to determine if these immunization options are right for your child.
COVID-19 Vaccine
While COVID-19 affects individuals, including children, differently, vaccination remains a key preventive measure. Vaccines for COVID-19 are available for children as young as six months, offering protection against severe illness and complications.
Vaccinating your child helps curb the spread of the virus and ensures they can safely interact with family, friends, and classmates.
Prepare Your Child for the Colder Months: Discuss Vaccinations Now
Now is the ideal time to discuss these children’s immunizations with your healthcare provider at the pediatrician’s office and get your child vaccinated. Ensuring timely vaccinations will equip your child with the necessary defenses against these potentially serious illnesses as we move into the colder months.
Children’s Immunization in Tuckahoe, NY
At The Village Pediatric Group in Tuckahoe, NY, we understand that navigating through immunization schedules for children is crucial for their development and overall health. Our team of four board-certified doctors provides state-of-the-art pediatric care in a comfortable, kid-friendly atmosphere. We work closely with parents to prevent serious health conditions and track children’s growth and development.
If you have any questions regarding children’s immunizations or would like to discuss your child’s specific needs, call us at (914) 771-7070 or request an appointment with one of our providers using our appointment request form.
