{"id":20220,"date":"2023-09-25T08:14:24","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T15:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truecare.org\/?p=20220"},"modified":"2024-09-13T13:12:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T20:12:44","slug":"pediatric-immunizations-at-a-glance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truecare.org\/blog\/pediatric-immunizations-at-a-glance\/","title":{"rendered":"Pediatric Immunizations at a Glance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keep your child healthy during their most important times of growth and development<\/strong> by staying on track with their exams and their immunization schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics\u2014a professional organization of primary care pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, and young adults\u2014has recommended an immunization schedule based on age. Research has shown the schedule to be the safest and most effective way of protecting children from disease.<\/p>\n

Why We Need Vaccines<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before vaccines were invented<\/b>, people had no defense against many diseases that were easily transmitted from one person to another. Thanks to modern science, many of these diseases have been eradicated through global vaccination campaigns, saving millions of lives and preventing crippling disabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccinations have played a vitally important role in the fight against fatal or disfiguring diseases. Most children are now routinely vaccinated against a variety of diseases that once had no cure, including measles, mumps, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and more. As our highly mobile world grows more susceptible to global pandemics, <\/span>vaccines provide the best defense against COVID and other viruses that can kill millions of people<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Vaccines Work<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most vaccines stimulate the development of antibodies<\/b> by introducing parts of the disease, called antigens, into the body. However, the antigens are either dead or severely weakened so they don\u2019t cause the disease when receiving the vaccination. For example, the polio vaccine includes antigens from the polio virus that are so weak they can\u2019t cause polio in a person but are strong enough to cause an immune response. This provides a safer way to develop immunity inside the human body without having to experience the disease itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Antibodies developed by the immune response<\/b> to the vaccine train the body how to react against the disease in the future. Some people may experience minor symptoms, such as fever, chills, or headaches, shortly after receiving a vaccine. However, these are a byproduct of the body building up immunity to the disease. Vaccines never introduce the full disease into the body, only an imitation of the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Role of Immunization in The Community<\/span><\/h3>\n

Everyone is born with an immune system that produces natural antibodies<\/b> to protect against foreign invaders such as viruses. However, some people\u2019s immune systems don\u2019t produce the naturally developed antibodies without first being exposed to the disease \u2013 at which time their immune system may be too weak to fend off the invading disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccines protect against diseases by preventing the infection<\/b> rather than treating it after exposure. They do this by helping the body\u2019s immune system resist the specific type of infection caused by the disease. This enables vaccines to provide immunity to the greater population without everyone needing to be exposed to the germs first.<\/span><\/p>\n

In diseases that spread rapidly<\/b>, vaccines play a key role in the overall health and well-being of the community. Some people are not able to get vaccinations for health reasons, or they are undergoing health treatments that make them more susceptible to disease. When healthy people in the community get vaccines, it helps protect those who are unable to do so. The more people who get vaccinated against a disease, the less chance it has of taking root in a community and harming people. This concept, called \u201cherd immunity,\u201d helps prevent the spread of viruses that are easily transmitted from person to person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccinations Aren\u2019t Just for Kids<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many people assume that only young children need to be vaccinated<\/b>, but immunizations help protect people of all ages from serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. A flu virus can do more than just cause fever, chills, and severe intestinal problems. Some strains can be fatal, especially for seniors. In those situations, a flu vaccination can be a life saver. Vaccinations can also protect adults against viruses that aren\u2019t fatal but can cause severe pain, such as shingles. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for <\/span>recommended adult vaccinations<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

At TrueCare, We Put You and Your Family\u2019s Health First<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re uncertain about which immunizations are due<\/b>, feel free to give us a call and <\/span>schedule an appointment with a pediatrician<\/span><\/a>. We are here to help! We\u2019ve broken down, by age group, the different immunizations recommended for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

Immunizations \/ Newborns \u2013 4 months<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"TrueCare<\/p>\n

Immunization Schedule Table<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age Group<\/b><\/td>\nHepatitis B (HepB)<\/b><\/td>\nRotavirus (RV)<\/b><\/td>\nDiphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP)<\/b><\/td>\nHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)<\/b><\/td>\nPneumococcal (PCV)<\/b><\/td>\nInactivated Poliovirus (IPV)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Newborn<\/b><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1 Month<\/b><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2 Months<\/b><\/td>\nSecond dose (if not given)<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4 Months<\/b><\/td>\nCatch-up period<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Newborn<\/h3>\n

Newborns are recommended to receive the Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine, which assists with their weakened immune system. Additionally, the newly recommended Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine should be administered to protect against severe RSV disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

1 Month<\/h3>\n

A baby should only get their second dose of Hepatitis B (HepB)<\/strong>, as their immune systems are still developing and introducing too many vaccines too early may cause them harm.<\/p>\n

2 Months<\/h3>\n

A 2 month old baby may also have their second dose of Hepatitis B (HepB)<\/strong> at this time. They will also need the first dose of the following vaccines: Rotavirus (RV), Diptheria, tetanus & pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal (PCV),<\/strong> and Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

4 Months<\/h3>\n

At four months, babies should receive their second doses of Rotavirus (RV), Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal (PCV), and Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV).<\/span><\/p>\n

Immunizations \/ 6 \u2013 12 months<\/span>\"TrueCare<\/h2>\n

Immunization Schedule Table<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age Group<\/b><\/td>\nHepatitis B (HepB)<\/b><\/td>\nRotavirus (RV)<\/b><\/td>\nDiphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP)<\/b><\/td>\nHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)<\/b><\/td>\nPneumococcal (PCV)<\/b><\/td>\nInactivated Poliovirus (IPV)<\/b><\/td>\nInfluenza (Flu) (IIV only)<\/b><\/td>\nCOVID-19<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6 Months<\/b><\/td>\nThird dose (6-18 months)<\/span><\/td>\nThird dose (if needed)<\/span><\/td>\nThird dose<\/span><\/td>\nThird dose (if needed)<\/span><\/td>\nThird dose<\/span><\/td>\nThird dose (6-18 months)<\/span><\/td>\nBegin 1-2 doses (6-18 months)<\/span><\/td>\nRecommended (6 months+)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9 Months<\/b><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period for third dose<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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6 Months<\/h3>\n

A period of time between 6 months and 18 months is recommended for the third dose of Hepatitis B (HepB)<\/strong>. A third dose is recommended for Diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis (DTaP)<\/strong>, and Pneumococcal (PCV)<\/strong>. Special conditions may apply for the third dose of Rotavirus (RV)<\/strong> and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)<\/strong>. The third dose of Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)<\/strong> spans between 6 months and 18 months. Influenza (Flu)(IIV only)<\/strong> in 1 or 2 doses begins at 6 months and spans until 18 months. COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for ages 6 months+.<\/strong><\/p>\n

12 Months<\/h3>\n

At twelve months, it\u2019s time for the first dose of Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. Additionally, the first dose of the Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine should be given, with the second dose scheduled between 12 and 23 months<\/span><\/p>\n

Immunization Schedule Table – 12 months<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/caption>\n
Vaccine<\/b><\/td>\nDose & Timing<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose (12 to 15 months)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Varicella<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose (12 to 15 months)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hepatitis A (HepA)<\/span><\/td>\nBegin 2-dose series (12 to 19-23 months)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Immunizations \/ 15 \u2013 23 months<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"TrueCare<\/p>\n

Immunization Schedule Table<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age Group<\/b><\/td>\nDiphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP)<\/b><\/td>\nHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)<\/b><\/td>\nPneumococcal (PCV)<\/b><\/td>\nMeasles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)<\/b><\/td>\nVaricella<\/b><\/td>\nHepatitis B (HepB)<\/b><\/td>\nInactivated Poliovirus (IPV)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15 Months<\/b><\/td>\nFourth dose (15-18 months)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
18 Months<\/b><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (18 months – 4 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (18 months – 4 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (18 months – 3 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (18 months – 3 years)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
19-23 Months<\/b><\/td>\nCatch-up period (19 months – 3 years)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (19 months – 3 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (19 months – 18 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (19 months – 3 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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15 Months<\/h3>\n

At fifteen months, babies should receive their fourth dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Immunizations \/ 2 \u2013 10 years<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"TrueCare<\/p>\n

Immunization Schedule Table<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age Group<\/b><\/td>\nDiphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP)<\/b><\/td>\nInactivated Poliovirus (IPV)<\/b><\/td>\nMeasles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)<\/b><\/td>\nVaricella<\/b><\/td>\nInfluenza (Flu) (LAIV or IIV)<\/b><\/td>\nHepatitis A (HepA)<\/b><\/td>\nHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)<\/b><\/td>\nPneumococcal (PCV)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2-3 Years<\/b><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nAnnual 1-2 doses<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (2-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4-6 Years<\/b><\/td>\nFifth dose<\/span><\/td>\nFourth dose<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\nSecond dose<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (4-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (4-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7-10 Years<\/b><\/td>\nPreliminary period<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (7-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (7-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (7-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\nAnnual 1 dose (7-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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2-3 Years<\/h3>\n

This stage of child growth involves previous catch-up periods and introduces the annual vaccination of <\/span>Influenza (Flu)(LAIV or IIV)<\/b> in 1 or 2 doses. A catch-up period for <\/span>Hepatitis A (HepA) <\/b>begins for the <\/span>periodperiof<\/span> of 2 years to 18 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

4-6 Years<\/h3>\n

New doses are suggested for the following vaccinations: Diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis (DTaP)<\/strong> (5th dose), Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)<\/strong> (4th dose), Measles, mumps & rubella (MMR)<\/strong> (2nd dose), and Varicella <\/strong>(2nd dose). A catch-up period begins for both Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)<\/strong> and Pneumococcal (PCV)<\/strong> between 4 to 18 years.<\/p>\n

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Immunizations \/ 11 \u2013 18 years<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"TrueCare<\/p>\n

Immunization Schedule Table<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age Group<\/b><\/td>\nMeningococcal<\/b><\/td>\nTetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (DTaP)<\/b><\/td>\nHuman Papillomavirus (HPV)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11-12 Years<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\nFirst dose<\/span><\/td>\n3-dose series<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13-15 Years<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (13-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period (13-18 years)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16-18 Years<\/span><\/td>\nBooster dose (16-17 years)<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
18 Years<\/span><\/td>\nCatch-up period<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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11-12 Years<\/h3>\n

First dose of Meningococcal, Tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (DTaP)<\/strong>, and a 3-dose stage of Human papillomavirus (HPV)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

16-18 Years<\/h3>\n

No new or final vaccines are introduced and i<\/span>nvolves<\/span> numerous catch-up periods. A booster for <\/span>Meningococcal<\/b> is recommended for 16 to 17 year olds, with a catch-up period at age 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

Catch-Up Immunization Schedule<\/span><\/h2>\n

This catch-up schedule provides flexibility, allowing children to receive missed vaccines outside the standard timeline while still building the necessary immunity. Below is a detailed guide on how to manage catch-up vaccinations based on your child\u2019s age and which vaccines they\u2019ve missed:<\/span><\/p>\n