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Keep your child healthy during their most important times of growth and development by staying on track with their exams and their immunization schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics—a professional organization of primary care pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, and young adults—has 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.
Why We Need Vaccines
Before vaccines were invented, 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.
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, vaccines provide the best defense against COVID and other viruses that can kill millions of people.
How Vaccines Work
Most vaccines stimulate the development of antibodies by introducing parts of the disease, called antigens, into the body. However, the antigens are either dead or severely weakened so they don’t cause the disease when receiving the vaccination. For example, the polio vaccine includes antigens from the polio virus that are so weak they can’t 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.
Antibodies developed by the immune response 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.
The Role of Immunization in The Community
Everyone is born with an immune system that produces natural antibodies to protect against foreign invaders such as viruses. However, some people’s immune systems don’t produce the naturally developed antibodies without first being exposed to the disease – at which time their immune system may be too weak to fend off the invading disease.
Vaccines protect against diseases by preventing the infection rather than treating it after exposure. They do this by helping the body’s 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.
In diseases that spread rapidly, 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 “herd immunity,” helps prevent the spread of viruses that are easily transmitted from person to person.
Vaccinations Aren’t Just for Kids
Many people assume that only young children need to be vaccinated, 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’t fatal but can cause severe pain, such as shingles. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for recommended adult vaccinations.
At TrueCare, We Put You and Your Family’s Health First
If you’re uncertain about which immunizations are due, feel free to give us a call and schedule an appointment with a pediatrician. We are here to help! We’ve broken down, by age group, the different immunizations recommended for children.
Immunizations / Newborns – 4 months
Immunization Schedule Table
| Age Group | Hepatitis B (HepB) | Rotavirus (RV) | Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP) | Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Pneumococcal (PCV) | Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) |
| Newborn | First dose | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1 Month | Second dose | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2 Months | Second dose (if not given) | First dose | First dose | First dose | First dose | First dose |
| 4 Months | Catch-up period | Second dose | Second dose | Second dose | Second dose | Second dose |
Newborn
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.
1 Month
A baby should only get their second dose of Hepatitis B (HepB), as their immune systems are still developing and introducing too many vaccines too early may cause them harm.
2 Months
A 2 month old baby may also have their second dose of Hepatitis B (HepB) 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), and Inactivated poliovirus (IPV).
4 Months
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).
Immunizations / 6 – 12 months
Immunization Schedule Table
| Age Group | Hepatitis B (HepB) | Rotavirus (RV) | Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP) | Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Pneumococcal (PCV) | Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) | Influenza (Flu) (IIV only) | COVID-19 |
| 6 Months | Third dose (6-18 months) | Third dose (if needed) | Third dose | Third dose (if needed) | Third dose | Third dose (6-18 months) | Begin 1-2 doses (6-18 months) | Recommended (6 months+) |
| 9 Months | – | – | Catch-up period for third dose | Catch-up period | Catch-up period | – | – | – |
6 Months
A period of time between 6 months and 18 months is recommended for the third dose of Hepatitis B (HepB). A third dose is recommended for Diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis (DTaP), and Pneumococcal (PCV). Special conditions may apply for the third dose of Rotavirus (RV) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The third dose of Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) spans between 6 months and 18 months. Influenza (Flu)(IIV only) in 1 or 2 doses begins at 6 months and spans until 18 months. COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for ages 6 months+.
12 Months
At twelve months, it’s 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
Immunization Schedule Table – 12 months
| Vaccine | Dose & Timing |
| Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) | First dose (12 to 15 months) |
| Varicella | First dose (12 to 15 months) |
| Hepatitis A (HepA) | Begin 2-dose series (12 to 19-23 months) |
Immunizations / 15 – 23 months
Immunization Schedule Table
| Age Group | Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP) | Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Pneumococcal (PCV) | Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) | Varicella | Hepatitis B (HepB) | Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) |
| 15 Months | Fourth dose (15-18 months) | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 18 Months | – | Catch-up period (18 months – 4 years) | Catch-up period (18 months – 4 years) | Catch-up period (18 months – 3 years) | Catch-up period (18 months – 3 years) | – | – |
| 19-23 Months | Catch-up period (19 months – 3 years) | – | – | – | Catch-up period (19 months – 3 years) | Catch-up period (19 months – 18 years) | Catch-up period (19 months – 3 years) |
15 Months
At fifteen months, babies should receive their fourth dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP).
Immunizations / 2 – 10 years
Immunization Schedule Table
| Age Group | Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP) | Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) | Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) | Varicella | Influenza (Flu) (LAIV or IIV) | Hepatitis A (HepA) | Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Pneumococcal (PCV) |
| 2-3 Years | – | – | – | – | Annual 1-2 doses | Catch-up period (2-18 years) | – | – |
| 4-6 Years | Fifth dose | Fourth dose | Second dose | Second dose | – | – | Catch-up period (4-18 years) | Catch-up period (4-18 years) |
| 7-10 Years | Preliminary period | Catch-up period (7-18 years) | Catch-up period (7-18 years) | Catch-up period (7-18 years) | Annual 1 dose (7-18 years) | – | – | – |
2-3 Years
This stage of child growth involves previous catch-up periods and introduces the annual vaccination of Influenza (Flu)(LAIV or IIV) in 1 or 2 doses. A catch-up period for Hepatitis A (HepA) begins for the periodperiof of 2 years to 18 years.
4-6 Years
New doses are suggested for the following vaccinations: Diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis (DTaP) (5th dose), Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) (4th dose), Measles, mumps & rubella (MMR) (2nd dose), and Varicella (2nd dose). A catch-up period begins for both Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Pneumococcal (PCV) between 4 to 18 years.
Immunizations / 11 – 18 years
Immunization Schedule Table
| Age Group | Meningococcal | Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (DTaP) | Human Papillomavirus (HPV) |
| 11-12 Years | First dose | First dose | 3-dose series |
| 13-15 Years | Catch-up period (13-18 years) | Catch-up period (13-18 years) | – |
| 16-18 Years | Booster dose (16-17 years) | – | – |
| 18 Years | Catch-up period | – | – |
11-12 Years
First dose of Meningococcal, Tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (DTaP), and a 3-dose stage of Human papillomavirus (HPV).
16-18 Years
No new or final vaccines are introduced and involves numerous catch-up periods. A booster for Meningococcal is recommended for 16 to 17 year olds, with a catch-up period at age 18.
Catch-Up Immunization Schedule
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’s age and which vaccines they’ve missed:
- Hepatitis B (HepB): If your child missed their HepB vaccinations during infancy, catch-up doses can be administered any time from 6 months to 18 years of age. It’s important to complete the series to ensure long-term protection against hepatitis B.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP): Children who have missed one or more doses of the DTaP vaccine can receive catch-up doses between 19 months and 3 years. Completing this series is crucial for protection against these serious bacterial infections.
- Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): The IPV vaccine is vital in protecting against polio, a debilitating disease. Catch-up doses can be administered from 19 months to 3 years for children who missed their scheduled doses.
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): If your child missed the MMR vaccine, catch-up doses are recommended between 18 months and 3 years. This vaccine is critical in preventing these highly contagious viral infections.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): The varicella vaccine prevents chickenpox, which can be severe in some children. If missed during the recommended period, catch-up doses can be administered from 18 months to 3 years.
Keeping up with vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to ensure your child’s health and well-being. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team at TrueCare is here to help. We are committed to providing the support and care your family needs to stay protected and healthy.
Come visit us at one of TrueCare’s many locations, or contact us to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to providing your child’s required immunizations and helping complete any other medical paperwork for the upcoming school year.
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