Immunization 

Immunization

Following a immunization schedule may help protect your child from dangerous diseases and infections. Based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, the immunization chart below shows the ages and age ranges when your child may need immunizations.

For example, the first two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine should be given at birth, the second between ages 1 month and 4 months, and the third dose between ages 6 months and 18 months. The purple bar indicates an acceptable "catch-up" range if the vaccine was missed.

Some children may need other immunizations. For specific immunization schedule information, speak with your child's physician.

*On this immunization chart the number of immunization doses needed varies; ask your doctor

Immunizations for Adults

As an adult, staying current with immunizations is an important protection against serious infections.

Compare your medical records to the list below, make note of any immunizations you may need. Then, show the list to your physician to help determine whether you should be immunized.

Diphtheria-tetanus
A vaccine booster is recommended every 10 years for adults.

Flu
Flu shots are available during the fall in preparation for flu season, which usually lasts from December through early March. An annual flu shot is recommended if you are: age 50 or older, have a chronic condition such as heart or lung disease, will be pregnant during the flu season, have a comprised immune system, live in a long-term care facility or could transmit the virus to those at high risk.

Hepatitis A
This vaccine is recommended if you have blood clotting disorder or liver disease, or if you use illegal drugs or engage in other high-risk behavior.

Hepatitis B
Immunization is recommended if you have not been vaccinated and are a dialysis patient, receive clotting factor concentrates, may be exposed to the virus through your job or are in another high-risk group.

Measles, mumps an rubella

• Measles
  Even if you have received this vaccine, you may need a second dose. Immunization is recommended if you were born in or after 1957, have not been immunized or do not have evidence of immunity and do not have a medical reason to avoid immunization.
• Mumps
  One dose of the vaccine is recommended.
• Rubella (German measles)
  Immunization is recommended if you are a woman of childbearing age who is not pregnant and not planning to become pregnant within four weeks and your vaccination history is unreliable.

Pneumococcal
You may need immunization if you are age 65 or older and have never received the vaccine; if you received the vaccine more than more than five years ago and were younger than age 65 at that time. If you are between ages 18 and 64 and have a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease, you may also need the vaccine.

Varicella (chicken pox)
Even healthy people can experience serious complications from chicken pox. You may need the vaccine if you have not had chicken pox and may be at risk for exposure or transmission of the virus. If you live with children or work in a school, day care or health care setting, you are considered to be at risk.

This information is not intended to replace a doctor's advice. talk to your physician to see if these immunizations are right for you.

Immunization Schedule to Home