Babies have a lifetime of experiences ahead of them, and one of the best ways to prepare them for future adventures is to give them the proper preventive care while they grow. Immunizations are some of the most effective forms of preventive care.
The medical community and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend 10 life-saving vaccinations during the first year of life. These are:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTap): These diseases are spread by bacteria, and cause a thick covering on the back of the throat, tightening of all body muscles, and extended coughing spells respectively. Doctors recommend 5 doses of DTap at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.
- Hepatitis A: This liver disease is spread through personal contact and causes jaundice and severe stomach pains, leading to hospitalization. This vaccine should be given at 12 months and 6-18 months after the first shot.
- Hepatitis B: A different form of liver disease, Hepatitis B causes loss of appetite, diarrhea, and long-term infection. Babies should receive 3 doses of the vaccine at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months.
- Hib (meningitis): The germs of this disease are spread from person to person, and if the bacteria enters the bloodstream or lungs can cause bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, and acute infections. Four doses of Hib are recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and one year.
- Inactivated poliovirus: This disease initially has no symptoms, but if left untreated can lead to crippling paralysis. Children should be vaccinated four times, at 2 months, 4 months, 9 months, and between 4-6 years.
- Influenza (flu): Flu usually spreads around the U.S. every winter and is spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact. Young children are very susceptible to flu, and they should be vaccinated every year.
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): These diseases are spread through air or direct contact and can cause rashes, swelling, encephalitis, and even deafness. MMR should be administered twice — once at 1 year and another time at 4 years.
- Pneumococcal: While this disease doesn’t show symptoms frequently, it can lead to pneumonia, blood infection, and meningitis. Doctors recommend vaccination at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and one year.
- Rotavirus: Spread through the mouth, rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. RV shots should be given 3 times at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months.
- Varicella (chickenpox): Chickenpox is spread through direct contact and causes rash and fevers that can lead to encephalitis. Varicella should be given twice at 1 year and 4-6 years.
Immunizations and other preventive services are an important part of a young child’s healthcare, and may be completely covered by your health plan.
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