Vaccination Schedule Overview

DTaP Vaccine Details

  • The DTaP vaccine schedule is crucial to understand.
    • First dose is administered: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.
    • The dosage for DTaP: 0.5 milliliters intramuscularly (IM).

Tdap Vaccine Details

  • Also known as TD or TEDS, primarily administered for tetanus.
    • Dosage: 0.5 milliliters (IM).
    • Schedule: 11 years of age, then every 10 years thereafter.
  • Clinical consideration: If someone presents with a cut or wound, inquire about their last tetanus shot. If unknown, administer the tetanus booster.

IPV (Polio) Vaccine Details

  • Schedule and Dosage:
    • First dose: 2 months.
    • Second dose: 4 months.
    • Third dose: 6 to 18 months (typically at 12 months).
    • Booster: 4 to 6 years, usually at 4 years.
  • Administration details:
    • Administered subcutaneously (Sub Q), although it can also be given IM.
    • The IPV is not a live virus vaccine, in contrast to the older oral polio vaccine (OPV).
  • Important notes:
    • If a child falls behind in immunizations, doses must be spaced at least 4 weeks apart.
    • Useful for helping those who miss their vaccinations.

HPV Vaccine Details

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule:
    • First dose: 11-12 years of age (can be given as early as 9).
    • Second dose: 2 months later.
    • Third dose: 6 months after the second.
  • Administration: IM, dosage is consistently 0.5 milliliters.
  • Clarification: Both boys and girls should receive the vaccine.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine Details

  • Administration method: Administered subcutaneously (Sub Q).
  • Dosage and Schedule:
    • First dose: 12-15 months.
    • Second dose: 4-6 years (usually at 4 years).
  • Important notes:
    • This vaccine comes in powder form and must be reconstituted with sterile water.
    • It is a live virus and must be stored in the freezer until ready to use.
    • Cannot be administered in the same limb as the MMR vaccine to avoid interactions.

MMR Vaccine Details

  • MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
  • The administration is sub Q and it is a live virus vaccine.
  • Schedule:
    • First dose: 12-15 months.
    • Second dose: 4-6 years (normally given at 4 years).
  • Key notes:
    • It’s critical to avoid giving the first dose in the same limb as the varicella vaccine.
    • Rubella is also known as German measles.

Influenza Vaccine Details

  • Two types: injectable and intranasal.
    • Injectable:
    • Given IM.
    • For those over 6 months of age, given once annually.
    • Intranasal:
    • Live virus, given to patients from 2-3 years old with dosage of 0.25 mL; after 3 years, the dosage is 0.5 mL.
  • Important restrictions:
    • Cannot be given to immunocompromised patients or patients with asthma.
  • Annual influenza vaccination is recommended starting at 6 months.

Rotavirus Vaccine Details

  • Administered orally for rotavirus, which causes gastrointestinal illness.
  • Schedule:
    • First dose: 2 months.
    • Second dose: 4 months.
    • Third dose: 6 months.
  • Additional notes:
    • Do not administer the third dose after age 32 weeks.

Hib Vaccine Details

  • Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • Schedule:
    • First dose: 2 months.
    • Second dose: 4 months.
    • Third dose: 6 months.
    • Fourth dose: 15 months (not typically at 12 months due to numerous other vaccines).
  • The vaccine is given IM.

PCV (Prevnar) Vaccine Details

  • Protects against pneumococcal disease.
  • Schedule:
    • First dose: 2 months.
    • Second dose: 4 months.
    • Third dose: 6 months.
    • Fourth dose: 12-15 months (preferably at 15 months).
  • Administration: IM.

General Immunization Schedule

  • Key ages for well-child visits and potential vaccinations include:
    • Birth: No vaccinations at this point (usually Hepatitis B is given in the hospital).
    • 1 month: Hepatitis B.
    • 2 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus.
    • 4 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus.
    • 6 months: DTaP, Hepatitis B, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus.
    • 12 months: IPV, MMR, Varicella.
    • 15 months: DTaP, Hib, PCV.
    • 18 months: No vaccines.
    • 2 years and older: Annual influenza vaccine and regular checkups.

Notes on Vaccination Considerations

  • It is crucial to keep vaccines scheduled correctly to avoid potential delays and complications.
  • The vaccines can sometimes have live viruses which may cause mild symptoms post-vaccination, but are necessary for effective immunization.