Two to 6 Months
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP)—This immunization consists of a series of five injections. The first three are usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Shot number four is given before 18 months of age. The last in the series should not be administered until after the child is four years old. Tetanus and diptheria boosters (Td) are necessary again by age 12 and every ten years after to maintain immunity. However, the vaccine for pertussis should not be administered to anyone over 7 years of age.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)—This immunization protects against the bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia and other serious infections in children. Beginning at 2 months of age, your child will receive four shots before he or she is 15 months old. This vaccine is manufactured by various companies, so individual instructions may differ slightly.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)—Also used to prevent meningitis and other blood infections, this immunization is administered at 2 months and repeated three more times before the age of 15 months. Some at-risk children may also receive a similar vaccine after reaching 2 years of age.
Polio (IPV)—This vaccine is given first at 2 months and again at 4 months. Subsequent doses should be given between 6 and 18 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years of age. While previously available as a liquid that could be swallowed, the polio vaccine is now only recommended to be given via an injection.
Influenza (flu)—A yearly inactivated flu vaccine is recommended for children between 6 months and 5 years (this vaccine should never be given to anyone under 6 months of age). It is also recommended for children older than 2 years if they have a particular medical condition that puts them at increased risk, such as asthma, HIV, diabetes or cardiac disease.
