Are Your Children Caught up on Their Shots?
Date: 03/01/21
As a parent, you know that it is important to keep your family safe. Part of keeping your children safe – and healthy – is making sure they get the right shots, or immunizations, at the right time.
The exact number of immunizations needed to keep your child healthy may vary depending on their age. It can also depend on the availability of combination vaccines that provide immunity for more than one illness in one shot. That is why it is important for you to have a conversation with your doctor about what is right for your children. However, most children should follow the routine childhood immunization schedule below.
Routine Childhood Immunization Schedule
Vaccine | Number of vaccines and age for giving them |
Hepatitis (HepB) | 1st: Birth 2nd: 1 to 2 months 3rd: 6 to 18 months |
Rotavirus (RV) | 1st: 2 months 2nd: 4 months 3rd: 6 months |
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) Note: Your child also needs an extra dose (called the Tdap) at 11 to 12 years old. Your child should then get the Tdap every 10 years throughout life. | 1st: 2 months 2nd: 4 months 3rd: 6 months 4th: 15 to 18 months 5th: 4 to 6 years |
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | 1st: 2 months 2nd: 4 months 3rd: 6 months (this dose depends on the vaccine used) 4th: 12 to 15 months |
Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) | 1st: 2 months 2nd: 4 months 3rd: 6 to 18 months 4th: 4 to 6 years |
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) | 1st: 12 to 15 months 2nd: 4 to 6 years |
Varicella | 1st: 12 to 15 months 2nd: 4 to 6 years |
Meningococcal | MenACWY. Advised for all children; once at 11 to 12 years, with a booster at 16. Catch-up vaccine may be given between ages 13 to 15 years, with a booster between ages 16 to 18 for children not vaccinated as a preteen. |
Pneumococcal (PCV) | 1st: 2 months 2nd: 4 months 3rd: 6 months 4th: 12 to 15 months |
Hepatitis A (HepA) | 1st: 12 to 23 months 2nd: 6 to 18 months after the first dose |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Note: 3 dose series if not started until after age 15 years | 1st: 9 to 14 years 2nd: 6 to 12 months after 1st |
The most important reason to get your child immunized is to protect him or her from diseases. Delaying immunizations puts children at greater risk of diseases, like measles and pertussis. If your child is behind on any shots, it’s not too late. Schedule an appointment with your family’s doctor to get caught up and protect your children from preventable diseases.
Remember: As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, your child earns a $10 reward for completing his or her well-child visits. During these well-child visits, your doctor will talk to you about the immunizations your child needs. If you have questions about these vaccines, be sure to ask your doctor for more information.