What Is the Immunization Schedule for My Infant?

Vaccinations, also called immunizations, are recommended to reduce your child̵7;s risk of contracting a serious disease. Rates of serious diseases such as measles and diphtheria have fallen in the United States since immunization became standard practice, according the KidsHealth website. Several immunizations are recommended for infants, children under 1 year.

  1. Hepatitis B (HepB)

    • Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can lead to serious liver problems including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The first dose of the HepB vaccine should be given between birth and 2 months, according to the What to Expect website. The next dose should be given between 1 and 4 months, and the final dose should come between 6 and 18 months.

    Rotavirus (Rota, RV)

    • Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Depending on the specific vaccine your doctor uses, the RV immunization can be given in two doses at 2 and 4 months or in three doses at 2, 4 and 6 months, according to What to Expect.

    Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)

    • The DTaP vaccine protects against the respiratory disease diphtheria, the muscle disorder tetanus and pertussis or whooping cough. The CDC recommends first administering the DTaP vaccine at 2 months, then again at 4 and 6 months. DTaP also requires two booster shots, one between 15 and 16 months and another when your child is 4- to 6-years-old.

    Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

    • Hib can lead to bacterial meningitis, a disease of the brain and spinal cord, according to the CDC. Immunizations are usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months with a booster between 12 and 15 months.

    Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV)

    • Given at 2, 4 and 6 months, with a booster between 12 and 15 months, the PCV vaccine guards against pneumococcal disease, which can cause ear infections, pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis, according to What to Expect.

    Polio (IPV)

    • The inactivated poliovirus vaccine immunizes against polio, a disease that can cause paralysis, according to What to Expect. This vaccine is given at 2 and 4 months and again between 6 and 18 months. It also requires a booster between 4 and 6 years.

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