Infectious Knowledge

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the following is the recommended childhood immunization schedule.

• Hepatitis B: Four doses total. The first one at birth, the second at least a month later, the third 12 weeks after that, and the final dose after the baby is at leastsix months old. (See Viral Hepatitis for more on Hepatitis B.)
• Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT): Starting at two months, again at four months, and a third dose at six months. The fourth dose must be at least six months after the third dose. A booster is recommended at age 11, with a routine booster every ten years afterward.
• Flu: The first flu shot can be as early as age two months. After that, annual vaccination should occur. A pneumococcal vaccine that prevents 60 to 70 percent of bacterial pneumonia is given with the flu vaccine when the child is two.
• Polio: Four doses at two months, four months, six to eighteen months, and four to six years.
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): The first dose is at one year. The second dose is recommended at four to six years.
• Chickenpox: Vaccine at one year.
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for certain states and regions and for high-risk groups. Ask your doctor whether your child needs this vaccine. (See Viral Hepatitis for more on this disease.)