We understand that providing your child with the right vaccinations at the right time is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their lifelong health. Pediatric vaccinations protect children from serious diseases, help build immunity, and are crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases within communities. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended vaccination schedule by age to help you stay informed and on track.
Birth
- Hepatitis B (Hep B): The first dose is administered at birth to protect against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.
- VCG vaccine: This vaccine is to protect against the Tuberculosis, it is included in the after-birth vaccines in some countries like UAE.
2 Months
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): First dose to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- Hepatitis B (Hep B): Second dose.
- Polio (IPV): First dose for polio, a potentially debilitating viral infection.
- Hemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib): First dose to prevent bacterial meningitis and other serious infections.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): First dose to protect against pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.
- Rotavirus (RV): First dose to prevent rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants.
4 Months
- DTaP: Second dose.
- IPV: Second dose.
- Hib: Second dose.
- PCV13: Second dose.
- Rotavirus: Second dose.
6 Months
- DTaP: Third dose.
- IPV: Third dose.
- Hib: Third dose (if needed).
- Hepatitis B (Hep B): Third dose.
- PCV13: Third dose.
- Rotavirus: Third dose (if needed).
- Influenza (Flu): Annual flu vaccination starting from 6 months old during Fall/Winter seasons (second dose should be follow after one month).
9 Months
- Meningococcal (Men ACWY): First dose to prevent meningococcal disease, which can cause severe infections like meningitis.
12 Months
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): First dose to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): First dose to protect against varicella (chickenpox) disease.
- Hepatitis A (Hep A): First dose to protect against liver infections caused by the hepatitis A virus.
15 Months
16-17 Months
- Meningococcal (Men ACWY): Second dose.
18 Months
- DTaP: Fourth dose.
- Hib: Final dose.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Second dose.
- Hepatitis A (Hep A): Second dose.
4-6 Years
- DTaP: Fifth dose.
- IPV: Fourth dose.
- MMR: Second dose (if not given at 18 months old).
- Varicella: Second dose.
11-12 Years
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): Booster dose for continued protection.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): First dose to protect against cancers caused by HPV, such as cervical cancer.
- Meningococcal (Men ACWY): First dose to prevent meningococcal disease, which can cause severe infections like meningitis (If not given before at earlier age) .
16 Years
- Meningococcal (Men ACWY): Booster dose.
Additional Considerations
- COVID-19 Vaccination: As per the guidelines of health authorities, COVID-19 vaccines may be recommended for certain pediatric age groups. It’s important to follow the updated advice on COVID-19 vaccination.
- Catch-Up Vaccinations: If your child misses any vaccinations, it is essential to catch up according to your healthcare provider's recommendations.
- Influenza vaccine: Recommended for public after 6 months old, in fall season yearly.
Conclusion
We encourage parents to stay informed about their child’s vaccination schedule and ensure they receive the necessary vaccines at the appropriate times. By following this pediatric vaccination schedule, you can safeguard your child’s health and contribute to a healthier community. If you have any questions or need to schedule a vaccination appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our pediatric team.