List Schedule of Immunization Shots for Children

The purpose of immunization is to prevent certain diseases. According to Kids Health, a children's health information website, the right immunization schedule for your child depends upon where you live, the type of vaccine being given, your child's health and what vaccines are available. Generally, children receive a series of shots, which are administered over a number of years.

Hepatitis B

• The hepatitis B vaccine is administered as three separate injections. The first is usually given to children at birth. The second shot is administered at 1 to 2 months, and the third is given at 6 to 18 months. Hepatitis B is a virus impacting the liver that can lead to long-term, serious problems.

Hepatitis A

• The hepatitis A virus can cause a child to become seriously ill. The two-dose vaccine is suggested for children 12 to 23 months old, and the second dose is administered 6 months after the first.

Rotavirus

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the federal agency responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of disease, recommends vaccinating babies against rotavirus at 2 to 4 months. Some brands of the vaccine require another dose at 6 months. This vaccine comes in liquid form and is administered orally. The symptoms of the virus include diarrhea.

Pneumococcal

• The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) is administered in a series of four shots. The first one at 2 months, and additional doses at 4 months, 6 months and 12 to 15 months. The pneumococcal vaccine guards against pneumonia, blood infections and bacterial meningitis.

Diphtheria,Tetanus and Pertussis

• The diphtheria (disease affecting the throat), tetanus (a disease impacting the nervous system) and pertussis or whooping cough (a respiratory disease) (DTaP) vaccine is a combination vaccine given to children in five injections at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months and 4 to 6 years.

Haemophilus Influenza

• The haemophilius influenza type b (Hib) vaccine prevents meningitis. The shot is given at 2, 4 and sometimes again at 6 months, depending on the vaccine brand. A a booster dose is administered at 12 to 15 months.

Inactivated Poliovirus

• The inactivated poliovirus (IVP) vaccine protects against polio. This vaccine is typically administered at 2, 4, and 6 to 18 months, then again at 4 to 6 years.

Influenza

• Influenza (the flu) is a communicable viral infection. Kids Health recommends children be vaccinated against the flu annually from 6 months to 18 years.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

• The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine protects against these diseases. It is injected in two doses, the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years.

Varicella

• Varicella is a vaccine to prevent chickenpox. An initial injection is typically given at 12 to 15 months and a booster at 4 to 6 years. Children aged up to 13 can still get the vaccination, but the second dose must be administered within 3 months of the first to be effective.

Meningitis

• The meningitis vaccine guards against meningococcal disease. Children typically receive it at 11 to 12 years and again at 13 to 18. It is also recommended for young people entering college or the military.

Human Papillomavirus

• The human papillomarvirus (HPV) vaccine protects against a sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. The vaccine is given only to girls in a three shot series administered every 6 months starting at age 11 or 12.