Painless Vaccines also available
Vaccines are extremely safe and serious side effects are rare. Almost all sickness or
discomfort after vaccination is minor and temporary, such as a soreness at the injection
site or mild fever. These can often be controlled by taking over-the-counter pain medication
as advised by a doctor, or applying a cold cloth to the injection site. If parents are
concerned, they should contact their doctor or health care provider.
(a) Hepatitis B vaccine This vaccine is given to most newborns before they are
discharged from the hospital. The first dose is typically given at birth, the second dose at
age 1 to 2 months, and the third dose at age 6 to 18 months. Infants who did not receive a
dose at birth should begin the series as soon as possible.
(b) Rotavirus vaccine: Depending on the vaccine used, two or three doses of the
vaccine are required. With one vaccine, the first dose is given at age 2 months and the
second dose at age 4 months. With the other vaccine, the first dose is given at age 2
months, the second dose at age 4 months, and the third dose at age 6 months.
(c) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine: Depending on the vaccine used,
three or
four doses of the Hib vaccine are required. With one vaccine, the first dose is given at age
2 months, the second dose at age 4 months, and the third dose at age 12 to 15 months. With
the other vaccine, the first dose is given at age 2 months, the second dose at age 4 months,
the third dose at age 6 months, and the fourth dose at age 12 to 15 months.
(d) Poliovirus vaccine : Four doses of the vaccine are given. The first dose is
given at age 2 months, the second dose at age 4 months, the third dose at age 6 to 18
months, and the fourth dose at age 4 to 6 years.
(d) Poliovirus vaccine : Four doses of the vaccine are given. The first dose is
given at age 2 months, the second dose at age 4 months, the third dose at age 6 to 18
months, and the fourth dose at age 4 to 6 years.
(e) Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP)
vaccine: Before age 7, children are given the DTaP preparation. Five doses of DTaP
are
given. The first dose is given at age 2 months, the second dose at age 4 months, the third
dose at age 6 months, the fourth dose at age 15 to 18 months, and the fifth dose at age 4 to
6 years.
DTaP is followed by one dose of a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster given at
age 11 to 12 years (shown as the number 6 on the above schedule). This dose is followed by a
tetanus-diphtheria or Tdap booster every 10 years.
(f) Pneumococcal vaccine: Four doses of the vaccine are given. The first dose is
given at age 2
months, the second dose at age 4 months, the third dose at age 6 months, and the fourth dose
at age 12 to 15 months.
(g) Meningococcal vaccine:Two doses of the vaccine are given. The first dose is given
at age 11 to 12 years and the second dose at age 16 years (not shown on the above schedule).
(h) Influenza (flu) vaccine :
The influenza vaccine should be given yearly to all children, beginning at age 6 months.
There are two types of vaccine available. One or two doses are needed, depending on age and
other factors. Most children need only one dose. Children who are 6 months to 8 years old
who have received fewer than two doses or whose influenza vaccination history is unknown
should receive two doses at least 4 weeks apart.
(i) Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine :
Two doses of the vaccine are given. The first dose is given at age 12 to 15 months and the
second dose at age 4 to 6 years.
(j) Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine:
Two doses of the vaccine are given. The first dose is given at age 12 to 15 months and the
second dose at age 4 to 6 years.
(k) Hepatitis A vaccine:
Two doses of the vaccine are needed for lasting protection. The first dose is given between
ages 12 to 23 months, and the second dose 6 months after the first. All children over age 24
months who have not been vaccinated should be given 2 doses of the hepatitis A vaccine.
[l] Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine:
Routine vaccination is recommended at age 11 to 12 years (can start at age 9 years) and for
previously unvaccinated or not adequately vaccinated people up through age 26 years (not
shown on the above schedule). The human papillomavirus vaccine is given to girls and boys in
2 or 3 doses. The number of doses depends on how old the child is when the first dose is
given. Those given the first dose at age 9 to 14 years are given 2 doses, separated by at
least 5 months. Those given the first dose at age 15 years or older are given 3 doses. The
second dose is given at least 1 month after the first, and the third dose is given at least
5 months after the first dose.