
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 in this blog 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.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is held annually in August to give attention to the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Let us use this time to spread word and educate as many as we can about how crucial being vaccinated is, as well as how being on schedule for all vaccines is equally as important!
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