Vaccination age charts are important sources of information, especially in the first twelve months of life. This is the time period where babies need the most vaccines. Vaccine intervals are based on recommendations from the ACIP as a result of many years of research and proven safety.
At 127 Pediatrics, we use a specific schedule for our patients, but variations in vaccine combinations and timing depends on many factors. This is our vaccine schedule based on what vaccines we have available to us. Each pediatric office may choose different combination vaccines and timing based on what is best for their patient population.
Birth
At birth, vaccination age charts recommend that infants receive their first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine. This recommendation has been in place since 1991. This dose of vaccine greatly reduces the chances of transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to baby. Even though mothers are screened for Hepatitis B during pregnancy, there are many factors that contribute to a mother showing up in labor after having not had prenatal care. This recommendation has significantly decreased the perinatal (mom to baby) transmission of Hepatitis B.
One month of age
Infants may receive their second dose of Hepatitis B vaccine at their one month visit. Some families opt to wait until two months to give this dose, but the CDC recommends giving this dose 4 weeks after the first dose.
Two months of age
At two months of age, babies are eligible and receive one dose of DTaP vaccine which protects them from diptheria, tetanus and pertussis. They also receive a dose of polio vaccine as well as a dose of Hib vaccine. These vaccines are part of a combination vaccine that contains all of these components in one shot.
Babies also need a dose of pneumococcal vaccine at this visit. This vaccine protects them from 13 subtypes of a bacteria that causes pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis in young babies.
A final vaccine that babies receive at this visit is the rotavirus vaccine. This one is formulated as an oral vaccine that the baby takes by mouth. It coats the infant’s digestive system with protective antibodies to keep baby from getting rotavirus which causes diarrhea that often leads to dehydration and hospitalization.
Four months of age
This visit is a repeat of the 2 month vaccines. Babies get a second dose of all of the vaccines that they received at the 2 month visit.
Six months of age
At this visit, the vaccination age chart specifies that your baby will get the third dose of all of the vaccines that they got at their 2 and 4 month visits. They will also get their final dose of Hepatitis B vaccine.
This is also the age where a baby qualifies to receive their first dose of flu vaccine. If your baby turns 6 months old during flu season, it is recommended that they receive two doses of flu vaccine separated by 4 weeks of time.
Nine months of age
This is a vaccine free visit for our patients. If your baby has had all of the recommended vaccines up to this point, this visit is free from needles. We use this visit to check in on your baby’s development.
Twelve months of age
Right after your baby’s first birthday, he or she needs to get a dose of Varicella (or chicken pox) vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and the first dose of Hepatitis A vaccine. Prior to one year of age, babies have their mother’s antibodies circulating through their system. As a result, they don’t have as good of an antibody response if these vaccines are given before age 1.
MMR, Varicella and Hepatitis A vaccines are all two dose series. The second dose of MMR and Varicella happens after your child turns four years old. The second dose of Hepatitis A vaccine can be given at least 6 months after the first dose.
What is left on the vaccination age charts?
Little ones need additional vaccines at 15 and 18 months of age.
I wrote a more detailed post about vaccines. You can read more here.
For the full CDC vaccine chart, you can go here.
© 127 Pediatrics, February 2022
Dr. Andrea Wadley is a pediatrician located in Dallas/Fort Worth serving families with pediatrician house calls. As a wife and mother, her posts are written with parents in mind, whether you need help with a picky eater, need to find places where kids eat free or want to know more about topics like breastfeeding and lactation.
