Vaccines are one of the great public-health success stories. They prevent serious illness, save lives, and protect children too young or sick to be vaccinated. Here’s a clear, age-by-age summary based on widely accepted schedules (CDC/WHO).
Birth to 6 Months
- Birth: Hepatitis B (1st dose).
- 2 months: DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV, HepB.
- 4 months: Repeat of 2-month vaccines.
- 6 months: Repeat of 2-month vaccines + first flu shot (annual).
12–18 Months
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).
- Varicella (chickenpox).
- HepA series begins.
- Final Hib and PCV13 doses.
4–6 Years (Pre-Kindergarten Boosters)
DTaP, IPV, MMR, varicella boosters. Annual flu shot continues.
Common Concerns
Mild fever, fussiness, and a sore injection site for 1–2 days are normal. Severe reactions are rare. The MMR–autism link has been thoroughly debunked by dozens of large studies. Talk to your pediatrician about specific concerns — they expect questions.
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