Young Childhood Immunizations
Most of us know our kids need childhood immunizations. But we don’t always know which vaccines our children need at specific ages.
The most current recommendations for some -- but not all -- childhood immunizations from the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (AICP) include:
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- The rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq), recommended in a three-dose schedule at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. The first dose should be given at ages 6 weeks through 12 weeks with subsequent doses administered at 4 to 10 week intervals. Rotavirus vaccination should not be initiated for infants more than 12 weeks old and should not be administered after age 32 weeks. Rotavirus is the most common cause of infectious childhood diarrhea and has historically one of the biggest reasons behind childhood hospitalizations for dehydration in the U.S., although these numbers are declining now that the vaccine is in widespread use.
- The influenza vaccine is now recommended for all children aged 6 months and older.
- The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine should be first given at age 12 to 15 months and a recommended second dose should be given at age 4 to 6 years.
- The human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is recommended in a three-dose schedule with the second and third doses administered 2 and 6 months after the first dose. Routine vaccination with HPV is recommended for females aged 11 to 12 years and boys aged 9 to 18. The vaccination series can be started in females as young as age 9 years; and a catch-up vaccination is recommended for females aged 13 to 26 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the full vaccine series. HPV is associated with cervical cancer and genital warts.
The Importance of Vaccines for Children
Vaccines are the best way we have to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Next to sanitation and clean drinking water, vaccines have been called the greatest public health intervention in history.Many diseases that were once prevalent in the U.S. are now at their lowest levels in decades thanks to vaccines.
Why Do We Need a Childhood Immunization Schedule?
Because of a child's developing immune system, doctors have found that vaccines work best when they are given at certain ages.
For example, measles vaccine is not usually given to children until they are at least a year old. If it is given earlier it might not work as well.
Also, some vaccines require multiple doses before complete immunization occurs. For these to be effective, it is important that the doses are not given too close to one another. This is why doctors have developed schedules for immunizations for your children. However, the schedules are flexible, and if a child misses a recommended dose at a given age he or she can catch up later.
It is important that you maintain accurate records of your child's vaccinations. Proof of childhood immunization is required for public school and many day care programs.
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