Children's Vaccines Health Center

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Healthy children ages 2 and older can usually get the nasal spray form (FluMist)(What is a PDF document?) instead of the flu shot(What is a PDF document?). Protection lasts up to a year for both vaccine types.

For more information about the flu, see the topics Influenza (Seasonal Flu) and H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu). For the most current CDC guidelines about the flu, go to www.cdc.gov/flu.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot protects against bacteria that can cause an infection in the lungs (pneumonia) or the covering of the brain (meningitis), skin and bone infections, and other serious illnesses in young children. It does not protect against viral influenza (flu).

Who should get it?

• All children need three or four doses, starting at 2 months of age and ending by 15 months of age.
• Children who are older than 5 years and have certain health conditions may also need this shot.

Hepatitis A (Hep A) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot protects against hepatitis A.

Who should get it?

• All children starting at 1 year of age need two doses, given at least 6 months apart.
• Anyone who will be in close contact with an adopted child from a country that has high rates of hepatitis A needs two doses. This includes household contacts and babysitters. This recommendation only applies for the first 60 days the child is in the United States.⁶

Hepatitis B (Hep B) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot protects against hepatitis B.

Who should get it?

• All children need at least three doses. The first dose is given right after birth, before the child leaves the hospital. The remaining doses are given by 6 to 18 months of age. Children who have not been immunized for hepatitis B and are age 18 years or younger can get the shots over a period of about 6 months.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot (called M-M-R II) protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Who should get it?

• Two doses are given to all children-one at age 12 to 15 months and one at age 4 to 6 years.

There is a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV, or ProQuad) shot that also protects against chickenpox (varicella). Talk to your child's doctor about the pros and cons of the MMRV shot(What is a PDF document?). It can be given to children ages 12 months to 12 years.

Pneumococcal infections (What is a PDF document?)

This shot (called PCV, or Prevnar) protects against a bacteria that causes meningitis, blood infections (sepsis), and ear infections. In March 2010, the CDC recommended that the new vaccine PCV13 be used instead of PCV7 vaccine. PCV13 protects against more types of pneumococcal disease than PCV7 did.