The vaccines you may want to schedule for your kids

Vaccines are the best way to keep your children as safe as possible from harmful, preventable diseases. For the best immunity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends following the childhood vaccine schedule, which can be found here.

For a full list of vaccinations, go to vaccines.gov. Here are a few key vaccinations to consider.

Vaccines for children 6 years of age and younger

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)

When it’s given: Children typically need 5 doses of DTaP between 2 months and 6 years.

What it protects from: This is a combination vaccine that helps protect against three life-threatening diseases. Diphtheria causes breathing problems and can cause nerve, heart, and kidney damage. Tetanus bacteria can get into the body through a deep cut and cause painful muscle stiffness and spasms. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that leads to severe coughing and choking, particularly in babies less than a year old.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

When it’s given: Children need a first dose between 12 and 15 months, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years.

What it protects from: This is another combination vaccine that protects against three contagious viruses. Rubella can cause a mild fever, sore throat, and rashes, and can have serious consequences for children later in life. For example, if a pregnant woman contracts rubella, it can put the baby at risk for birth defects or even death. Mumps causes painful swelling in the glands under the ears and can lead to complications like deafness. Measles can spread quickly and can lead to ear infection, diarrhea, brain swelling, and even death.

Pneumococcal (PCV13)

When it’s given: Children typically need a total of four doses. One dose is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months.

What it protects from: A common bacteria (called Streptococcus) spread through saliva or mucus that can cause a handful of complications like ear or respiratory infections, or even more serious conditions like pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

Influenza (Flu)

When it’s given: Children 6 months and older should get vaccinated once a year.

What it protects from: This contagious and potentially deadly virus causes fever, cough, fatigue, aches, and even vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can catch the flu, yet children under 5 years old are at a higher risk.

Vaccines for children 7 years of age and older

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (TdaP) for older children and adults

When it’s given: Your child will receive 1 dose of Tdap between 11 and 12 years, and every ten years after that.

What it protects from: This vaccine is essentially a weaker form of the DTaP vaccine that helps the immune system keep its guard up against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis—three potentially deadly diseases.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

When it’s given: The CDC recommends 2 doses of the HPV vaccine between 11 and 12 years. Three doses are recommended for those who receive their first dose when they are 15 years or older.

What it protects from: HPV is a common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact that can lead to several potentially fatal cancers later in life. Receiving the HPV vaccine at the recommended ages is the easiest way to reduce your child’s risk of getting HPV. Still have questions? Read more about HPV here. And learn about common HPV vaccine myths here.  

Meningococcal B (MCV, MenB)

When it’s given: Children need a first dose between 11 and 12 years, and a booster at 16 years.

What it protects from: Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria that’s spread through coughing or close contact with someone who is sick or carries the bacteria. Early symptoms can include a sudden high fever, headache, or a stiff neck. And it can lead to serious infections of the fluid around the brain, spinal cord, and even the blood (also called meningitis). It develops quickly and can cause death within hours. In those who pull through, some will have permanent disabilities such as hearing loss and brain damage. Thankfully, the vaccine is very effective at preventing this disease, especially in adolescents and young adults who are at a higher risk.

For more information on these and other available vaccines to protect your family, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) site: Vaccines for Your Children