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Although this vaccine has previously been available in several forms, in 1997 the American
Academy of Pediatrics began recommending the DTaP vaccine as the preferred form because
it’s less likely to cause a reaction in baby. The DTaP vaccine includes diphtheria,
tetanus, and acellular (rather than whole cell) pertussis vaccines. The vaccine should be
given in five doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, around 18 months, and before your
child enters school, between 4 and 6 years of age. A sixth dose of diphtheria and tetanus
vaccine is recommended between 11 and 16 years of age. Baby may have a mild reaction to
this vaccine including a slight fever (under 102 degrees F), fussiness, and redness in
the thigh area where the shot is given. These symptoms typically last up to 2 days and
your baby’s doctor may suggest giving your child some baby acetaminophen to ease
the fever.
Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type B isn’t the viral infection that everybody calls
the flu. Instead, it’s a fast-moving bacterial infection that can cause baby
to have ear and bronchial infections. HIB also can lead to meningitis in children
under the age of 2, so it is important that you protect your child with three doses
of the HIB vaccine during the first year—at age 2 months, 4 months, and 6
months. Experts also recommend that a fourth dose be given between 12 and 16 months
of age.
Inactivated Polio (IPV) vaccine
Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a serious viral disease that starts with a fever
and can lead to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and permanent disability. In its most
severe forms, polio can cause death. Polio vaccine comes in two forms, IPV
(inactivated polio vaccine) which is given by injection and OPV (oral polio vaccine)
which is given by mouth. In 2000 the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending
the IPV form of the vaccine as the preferred form. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends giving the vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, between 12 to 19 months, and
between 4 and 6 years of age.
Heptavalent Conjugate Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
This vaccine protects your child against the pneumococcal bacteria which can cause
meningitis, pneumonia, and serious infections in a child's brain, blood stream, and
ears. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the vaccine be given to babies
at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 16 months of age.
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