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Vaccinations for Infants & Children, Age 0-10 Years

The timely vaccination of kids is important so that their immune system remains strong enough to protect their bodies against preventable diseases. Parents must keep track of the childhood vaccination schedule and get their kids vaccinated from time to time. Vaccination delay may expose children to the risk of various illnesses that vaccines could prevent. Check below the updated schedule of vaccination for infants and children aging between 0-10 years:

Rotavirus vaccine:

According to the immunization schedule for kids, around two doses of the Rotavirus vaccine are recommended. The first shot of the vaccine is prescribed at two months of age, while the second at four months. Kids with weaker immunity may be given a third dose when they turn six months old.

Hepatitis B vaccine:

Vaccination for Hepatitis B is meant for newborns. The vaccine is generally given to the infant right after birth. As per immunization schedule 2021, the child gets the second dose when they turn two months old. The third shot of the vaccine is scheduled when the child turns 6 to 16 months old.

Poliovirus vaccine:

The immunization schedule table says the child should get four vaccine shots starting from 2 months of age. Experts recommend a second shot of the vaccine when the child turns four months old. At the same time, the third dose is given to 6 – 17 months old infants. The last amount is given to kids aging between 4 and 6 years.

Haemophilus-influenzae Type B vaccine:

Popular as the Hib vaccine, the doses of this vaccine depend on the child’s immunity requirements. Generally, three to four shots of this vaccine is included in the childhood vaccination schedule. The infants get their first dose of this vaccine when they turn 60 days old. The second vaccine shot is given at four months of age, while the third one may be given when the infant turns 12 to 14 months old.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine:

Popularly known as the DTaP vaccine is given to children aging less than seven years. As per the updated immunization schedule, kids are to give five DTaP doses. First, when the infants turn two months, the second dose when they turn four months old, the next dose is given when they are six months old, and the next is given when they are 15 to 16 months old. The last shot of the vaccine is given to infants aging 4 to 5 years.

Pneumococcal vaccine:

Pneumococcal vaccine is the next important vaccine included in the immunization schedule for kids. 2 months old infants get their first vaccine shot. The next dose is given when the child turns four months old. When the infant turns six months old, the thirst shot of the vaccine is given, and the last dose is given to children aging between 12 to 14 months.

Influenza vaccine:

The flu vaccine is given annually to kids with a minimum of 6 months of age. One to two shots of this vaccine are given depending on the immunity level and age of the kid. However, according to the immunization schedule, 2021 children aging between 180 days to 8 years should receive two vaccine doses.

Meningococcal vaccine:

As per the immunization schedule table, kids should be given atleast two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine. It is to be noted that this vaccine isn’t necessarily meant for children of 0-10 years of age. Generally, it is given to kids 11 to 16 years of age.

Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine:

Popularly known as the MMR vaccine, its two shots are recommended in the immunization schedule for kids. Initially, it is given to 12 to 14 months old kids. The next dose is given to children aging between 4 and 6 years.

Hepatitis A vaccine:

A minimum of two shots of this vaccine are mandatory for the long-term protection of the children. According to the updated immunization schedule, the first shot of the vaccine is given to kids aging between 12 and 24 months, while the last dose is given to infants after a gap of 6 to 16 months posts the first dose.

Varicella vaccine:

Children get two shots of Chickenpox or the Varicella vaccine. 12 to 15 months old infants get their first dose of this vaccine, while the next dose can be given when they turn 4.

Human papillomavirus vaccine:

HPV is the next important vaccine recommended for children aging between 9 and 12. Generally, two to three doses of the vaccine are recommended for the kids. However, the exact number of vaccine shots given to a child depends on their level of immunity.

According to the immunization schedule for kids, the first and second shots are given to children aging between 9 and 13 years. There should be a gap of at least 150 days between two vaccinations. The next dose is given when the kid is 15+.

FAQs

Q) What is the vaccination schedule for a child?

Generally, experts don’t vaccinate the child as soon as they are born. Every kid has a different vaccination timeline according to their immunity level and requirements. Essential vaccinations are mostly scheduled throughout the initial two years of the child’s birth.

Q) What vaccines should a ten-year-old have?

A 10-year child should have the influenza vaccine, HPV vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, and others. All these vaccines should be given as per the schedule set by an expert doctor. Hence, it is essential to get in consultation with your doctor before getting your child vaccinated.

Q) What vaccines are given at 12 months?

The prominent vaccines that the 12 months old babies should be given include Chickenpox or Varicella vaccine, whooping cough, Diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine. Other vaccines include the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine (for Type B illness), rubella, measles, mumps vaccine, Pneumococcal illness vaccine, Polio vaccine, Hepatitis B Influenza vaccine, and Hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose of all these vaccines is generally given to kids that age 0-12 months.

Q) What is the new immunization schedule?

The immunization schedule varies according to the residential place of the parents and the health of the child. However, there is a standard set of immunization schedules that can be followed otherwise. According to this schedule, Hepatitis B vaccine is given to a 1-month-old infant, RV, DTaP, and Hib vaccines given to 1-5 months old infants.

Written by Bhargavi J