What age do kids get vaccines? This is a question that many parents ask themselves as they navigate the complex world of pediatric healthcare. Vaccinations are a crucial part of protecting children from a variety of infectious diseases, and understanding the recommended age for each vaccine can help ensure that your child is adequately protected.
Vaccinations are typically administered in a series of doses, spaced out over a child’s first few years of life. The timing of these vaccinations is important, as it helps to build immunity before the child is exposed to the diseases they are being protected against. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a comprehensive schedule of recommended vaccinations for children from birth to age 18, which serves as a guide for healthcare providers and parents alike.
Infants and Toddlers
The first set of vaccinations usually begins at birth, with the hepatitis B vaccine. This is followed by a series of other vaccines, including the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, the inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and the rotavirus vaccine. These vaccines are typically administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age, with booster doses recommended at 15 through 18 months, and again at 4 through 6 years of age.
Preschoolers
Preschoolers are also recommended to receive several vaccines, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccine, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is usually given at 12 through 15 months of age, with a booster dose recommended at 4 through 6 years of age. The varicella vaccine is typically given at 12 through 15 months of age, with a booster dose recommended at 4 through 6 years of age. The hepatitis A vaccine is usually given at 12 through 23 months of age, with a booster dose recommended at 2 through 4 years of age. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls at 11 or 12 years of age, with a second dose given 6 to 12 months later.
School-Aged Children
School-aged children are also encouraged to receive several vaccinations, including the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, and the HPV vaccine. The MCV4 vaccine is recommended for children between 11 and 12 years of age, with a booster dose recommended at 16 years of age. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for children between 11 and 12 years of age, with a booster dose recommended every 10 years. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for boys at 11 or 12 years of age, with a second dose given 6 to 12 months later.
Adolescents
Adolescents are encouraged to receive the meningococcal B vaccine, the Tdap vaccine, and the HPV vaccine. The meningococcal B vaccine is recommended for adolescents between 16 and 18 years of age, with a booster dose recommended at 16 through 18 years of age. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for adolescents between 11 and 12 years of age, with a booster dose recommended every 10 years. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for adolescents between 11 and 12 years of age, with a second dose given 6 to 12 months later.
Conclusion
Understanding the recommended age for each vaccine is essential for ensuring that your child is adequately protected against infectious diseases. By following the CDC’s vaccination schedule, you can help ensure that your child receives the necessary vaccinations at the appropriate times. Remember to consult with your child’s healthcare provider to discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding the vaccination process.
