This schedule indicates the recommended ages for
routine administration of currently licensed childhood
vaccines, as of December 1, 2001, for children through
age 18 years. Any dose not given at the recommended
age should be given at any subsequent visit when indicated
and feasible.
Indicates age groups that warrant special effort to
administer those vaccines not previously given. Additional
vaccines may be licensed and recommended during the
year. Licensed combination vaccines may be used whenever
any components of the combination are indicated and
the vaccine's other components are not contraindicated.
Providers should consult the manufacturers' package
inserts for detailed recommendations.
1 Hepatitis B vaccine (Hep
B). All infants should receive the first dose
of hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth and before
hospital discharge; the first dose may also be given
by age 2 months if the infant's mother is HBsAg-negative.
Only monovalent hepatitis B vaccine can be used for
the birth dose. Monovalent or combination vaccine
containing Hep B may be used to complete the series;
four doses of vaccine may be administered if combination
vaccine is used. The second dose should be given at
least 4 weeks after the first dose, except for Hib
containing vaccine which cannot be administered before
age 6 weeks. The third dose should be given at least
16 weeks after the first dose and at least 8 weeks
after the second dose. The last dose in the vaccination
series (third or fourth dose) should not be administered
before age 6 months. Infants born to HBsAg-positive
mothers should receive hepatitis B vaccine and 0.5
mL hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours
of birth at separate sites. The second dose is recommended
at age 1-2 months and the vaccination series should
be completed (third or fourth dose) at age 6 months.
Infants born to mothers whose HBsAg status is unknown
should receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine
series within 12 hours of birth. Maternal blood should
be drawn at the time of delivery to determine the
mother's HBsAg status; if the HBsAg test is positive,
the infant should receive HBIG as soon as possible
(no later than age 1 week).
2 Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). The fourth
dose of DTaP may be administered as early as age 12
months, provided 6 months have elapsed since the third
dose and the child is unlikely to return at age 15-18
months. Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) is recommended
at age 11-12 years if at least 5 years have elapsed
since the last dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid-containing
vaccine. Subsequent routine Td boosters are recommended
every 10 years.
3 Haemophilus influenzae type b
(Hib) conjugate vaccine. Three Hib con-jugate
vaccines are licensed for infant use. If PRP-OMP (PedvaxHIB
® or ComVax ® [Merck]) is administered at
ages 2 and 4 months, a dose at age 6 months is not
required. DTaP/Hib combination products should not
be used for primary immunization in infants at ages
2, 4 or 6 months, but can be used as boosters following
any Hib vaccine.
4 Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
An all-IPV schedule is recommended for routine childhood
polio vaccination in the United States. All children
should receive four doses of IPV at ages 2 months,
4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
5 Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
(MMR). The second dose of MMR is recommended routinely
at age 4-6 years but may be administered during any
visit, provided at least 4 weeks have elapsed since
the first dose and that both doses are administered
beginning at or after age 12 months. Those who have
not previously received the second dose should complete
the schedule by the 11-12 year old visit.
6 Varicella vaccine. Varicella
vaccine is recommended at any visit at or after age
12 months for susceptible children, i.e. those who
lack a reliable history of chickenpox. Susceptible
persons aged >13 years should receive two doses,
given at least 4 weeks apart.
7 Pneumococcal vaccine. The
heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is
recommended for all children age 2-23 months. It is
also recommended for certain children age 24-59 months.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is recommended
in addition to PCV for certain high-risk groups. See
MMWR. 2000;49(RR-9):1-35.
8 Hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis
A vaccine is recommended for use in selected states
and regions, and for certain high-risk groups; consult
your local public health authority. See MMWR. 1999;48(RR-12):1-37.
9 Influenza vaccine. Influenza
vaccine is recommended annually for children age >
6 months with certain risk factors (including but
not limited to asthma, cardiac disease, sickle cell
disease, HIV, diabetes; see MMWR. 2001;50(RR-4):1-44),
and can be administered to all others wishing to obtain
immunity. Children aged 12 years should receive vaccine
in a dosage appropriate for their age (0.25 mL if
age 6-35 months or 0.5 mL if age 3 years). Children
aged 8 years who are receiving influenza vaccine for
the first time should receive two doses separated
by at least 4 weeks.
For additional information about vaccines, vaccine
supply, and contraindications for immunization, please
visit the National Immunization Program Web site at
www.cdc.gov/nip or call the National Immunization
Hotline at (800) 232-2522 (English) or (800) 232-0233
(Spanish)
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