Immunization plays a key role in protecting children from life-threatening and deadly diseases. Scheduling immunizations enables your child to develop immunity at an age-appropriate stage, protecting them from diseases such as measles, polio, and whooping cough. Keeping your child current with vaccines keeps them healthy and helps suppress disease in communities. Contact Dr. Ayotunde Faweya at Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX to keep your child up to date on their immunizations.
Importance of Childhood Immunization
Immunization strengthens the immune system through contact with weakened forms of pathogens (viral and bacterial antigens). In return, it enables the immune system to develop its defenses without causing disease. Immunization has helped eradicate and control the most deadly diseases, and in most instances, it is one of the most preventive forms of care.
CDC and AAP Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children receive a specific vaccine. The following is a general schedule for infant and early childhood vaccines.
From Birth Through 6 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB): Given at birth, 1–2 months, and 6–18 months.
- Rotavirus (RV): It is given at 2 and 4 months (or 2, 4, and 6 months, depending on the type of vaccine).
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Given at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Given at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Pneumococcal (PCV13): Given at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Polio (IPV): Given at 2, 4, and 6–18 months.
From 12 Through 24 Months
- Hepatitis A (HepA): It is given between 12 and 23 months, with a booster at least 6 months thereafter.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): First shot at 12–15 months.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): First shot at 12–15 months.
- DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV: 12–18 months booster shots.
4 to 6 Years
- DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella: School-entry booster shots.
11 to 18 Years
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): Given at 11–12 years.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Given at 11–12 years (two doses).
- Meningococcal (MenACWY): Given at 11–12 years, booster at 16 years.
Staying Current with Immunizations
Scheduled appointments at your doctor for well-child care ensure your child gets shots at the correct age. If your child misses shots, Dr. Faweya can develop a catch-up schedule. Immunization documents serve for school admission, school and work, and childcare; therefore, getting them current is necessary.
Schedule an Appointment for Immunizations for Your Child Today
Immunizations protect your child for a whole life and form a part of your child’s routine care routine. If your child needs shots, schedule an appointment with your doctor today and have them receive shots and have a healthy, safe life. Contact Dr. Ayotunde Faweya at Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX. Call 936-270-8655 to schedule an appointment.
