Immunizations for children from birth to age 6

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)

0.5mL is given to newborn in addition to hepatitis B vaccine if the mother is positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg).

Intussusception

A serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. ("telescoping") [From https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intussusception/symptoms-causes/syc-20351452] (Avoid rotavirus immunization if child has a history of intussusception.)

Hemophilus influenza type B (Hib)

A type of bacterium that causes infection in various parts of the body. (Was at one time a leading cause of meningitis in young children; is a significant cause of conjunctivitis, otitis media, sinusitis.)

Hepatitis B vaccine

Administered to all newborns. 3 doses are given before age 2: at birth, at 1-2 months, and after 24 weeks of age.

Live, attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) nasal spray vaccine

Alternative option to the injection for children over the age of 2. May cause symptoms of mild flu; is manufactured from a weakened form of the live virus. Contraindicated for children with asthma; should not be given to children ages 2 to 4 who have been wheezing within the past 12 months.

Rotavirus

Causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Two vaccinations available: RotaTeq and Rotarix.

Influenza immunization

Children ages 6 months - 18 years should receive annually. Children through 8 years of age receiving first influenza immunization need two doses, at least 4 weeks apart. Contraindicated for individuals who are allergic to eggs or egg products.

MMR immunization side effects

Children may experience maculopapular rash, fever, swollen cheeks, mild joint pain.

Rotavirus vaccine

First immunization is given between 6 and 14 weeks. The series is not started if the infant is >14 weeks and 6 days. Two vaccinations available: -RotaTeq is licensed as a three-dose series given orally at 2, 4, and 6 months. -Rotarix is licensed as a two-dose series given at 2 and 4 months. (If Rotarix is given at 2 and 4 months, no additional doses are given.) *Avoid immunization if child has a history of intussusception or other gastrointestinal disorder.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine

Four doses are given for infants & toddlers: at 2, 4, and 6 months, and 15-18 months. A final dose in the series is given between ages 4-6.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)

Given as two doses 8 weeks apart to children ages 2 to 10 if they are high risk due to asplenia (absence of normal spleen function) or immunodeficiency disorders. A booster is given every 5 years. Children with HIV receive two doses 8 weeks apart. Children who travel to countries where meningococcal meningitis is endemic need one dose of MCV4. Avoid immunization if child is allergic to latex or has a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Hib vaccine

Given in a series of four doses: at 2, 4, and 6 months, and 12-15 months. (No additional doses are given after this series.)

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)

Given in a series of four doses: at 2, 4, and 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. (IPV is safer to use and has replaced the live, oral vaccine [OPV] which contains live viruses and may cause paralysis in immunodeficient children or in close contacts who are immunodeficient.)

Hepatitis A vaccine

Given to children who are traveling or are at risk for the disease. Not given before 12 months. Two doses are given at least 6 months apart.

Varivax side effects

Include erythema and soreness at the injection site. A few people may experience a varicella-type rash in the area of the injection site.

DTaP vaccine side effects

May cause irritability, loss of appetite, localized swelling & tenderness at injection site. Seizures are a rare side effect due to the pertussis component. (However, vaccine is much safer now because only acellular components are used.)

Varicella immunization (Varivax)

Minimum age is 12 months; do not give before first birthday. Second dose is generally given at 4-6 years of age, but may be given before age 4 if at least 3 months have lapsed since first dose. Contraindicated for persons who are allergic to neomycin or gelatin.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunization

Minimum age is 12 months; do not give before first birthday. Second dose is generally given at 4-6 years of age, but may be given before age 4 if at least 4 weeks have elapsed since first dose. Contraindicated for persons who are allergic to neomycin or gelatin.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Protects children from meningitis, otitis media, and other infections.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)

Recommended for children under age 5 to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Four doses are given in the series: at 2, 4, and 6 months, and 12-15 months. (PCV13 replaces PCV7. A single additional dose of PCV13 is recommended for all children 14 to 59 months who have received an age-appropriate series of PCV7 and for all children 60 to 71 months with underlying specific medical conditions who have received an age-appropriate series of PCV7.)

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

Used for older children and adults, but may be used in children over 2 who have special medical conditions such as a cochlear implant.