Babies are born with protection against certain diseases because antibodies from their mothers were passed to them through the placenta. After birth, breastfed babies get the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary. Immunization (vaccination) is a way of creating immunity …
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Your Child’s Immunizations: Chickenpox Vaccine
The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox (varicella), a common and very contagious childhood viral illness. Immunization Schedule The varicella vaccine is given by injection when kids are between 12 and 15 months old. They receive a booster shot for further protection at 4 to 6 years of age. Kids who …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine protects against: Diphtheria: a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing problems Tetanus (lockjaw): a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound Pertussis (whooping cough): a respiratory illness …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis A Vaccine (HepA)
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, and can lead to community-wide epidemics. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks. Immunization Schedule The vaccine is recommended for children 12–23 months old, followed by a second dose 6–18 months later. The vaccine also is recommended for …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB)
Hepatitis B virus affects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems, such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver. Immunization Schedule Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) usually is given as a series of three injections: shortly after birth …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Hib Vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (Hib) were the leading cause of meningitis in children younger than 5 years old until the Hib vaccine became available. Immunization Schedule The Hib vaccine is given by injection at ages: 2 months 4 months 6 months (however, some of the Hib vaccines do not …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can cause genital warts and changes in the cervix that can result in cervical cancer. It can also lead to cancer in other areas, such as the penis, anus, and throat. Recent research suggests it may even be linked to …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine
Influenza — what most of us call “the flu” — is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. Immunization Schedule Flu season runs from October to May. It’s best to get a flu vaccine as early in the season as possible, as it gives the body a chance …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine (MMR)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). Immunization Schedule MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses: at age 12–15 months at age 4–6 years Children traveling outside the United States can get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. These children should …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccines
The meningococcal vaccines protect against meningococcal disease, a serious infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious infections. Two kinds of meningococcal vaccines are currently given to kids in the United States: The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (called types A, C, W, and …