Obtaining vaccinations is essential in the lives of children of all ages. Vaccines will assist and protect children from diseases that could potentially cause great distress, discomfort, and even harm. Ensuring that young infants and children do not fall behind or lag in obtaining their vaccines is equally as important, as such delays would give diseases opportunities to formulate and spread. We strongly encourage following a set vaccine schedule for your child to avoid any of these scenarios. The schedule below can serve as a guide:
Birth to age 2
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Inactivated poliovirus
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
4-6 years old
- Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis
- Inactivated poliovirus
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Teens
- Tetanus, diphtheria & acellular pertussis (Tdap)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal
- COVID-19 (with FDA approval, many colleges and universities are now requiring)
Advice for parents for staying on schedule
Parents are encouraged and advised to review, monitor, and assess all immunization history as well as the need for immunizations for their children. We would also encourage parents to partake in educating their children about the health and importance of vaccines for greater comprehension.
Sources:
https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/why-its-important-to-be-up-to-date-on-vaccines#:~:text=Why%20get%20caught%20up%20now,in%20our%20communities%20once%20again.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/catchup.html
