A Guide to Vaccines for Children

What you need to know

Worldwide, more than 20 million people each year are infected with measlea--an itchy, contagious rash--but in the United States, only 60 cases are reported in a year.

What causes the big difference? Vaccines. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no cure for measles after someone catches it, but it can be prevented by a simple shot. This shows how important childhood vaccines really are.

Use the guide below to be sure your child gets all recommended vaccines. They are listed by recommended age, from infancy to adolescence.

• The hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) usually creates long-term immunity. Infants who receive the HBV series should be protected from hepatitis B infection, which can cause serious live problems, into their adult years.
• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is given as a series of four injections starting at 2 months of age and following at 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months to prevent pneumococcal infections, which can lead to ear infections, meningitis, and pneumonia.
• The diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) is given as a series of five injections and is usually administered at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years old. In severe cases, the disease this shot protects against can cause paralysis, heart failure, coughing spells, and vomiting.
• The meningitis vaccine (Hib) is given by injection at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Those immunized have protection against meningitis, pneumonia, pericarditis, and infections of the blood, bones, and joints caused by the bacteria.
• The polio vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years before entering school. This protects against polio in over 95 percent of children immunized.
• The influenza vaccine is recommended for children 6 to 59 months old, as well as any child or adult with a weakened immune system or chronic medical condition. This vaccine reduces one's chances of catching the flu by up to 80 percent during the season.
• The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses: first dose at 12 to 15 months; the second prior to school entry at age 4 to 6.
• The chickenpox vaccine (varicella) is given between the ages of 12 and 15 months, followed by a booster shot at ages 4 to 6. It protects against what was once a common childhood rash.
• The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children 12-23 months old, followed by a second dose 6 months later. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis A can also cause liver problems.
• The bacterial meningitis vaccine (MCV4) is recommended for kids at age 11 or 12 years. It protects against meningococcal disease, a serious infection, which can lead to bacterial meningitis.