What are the CDC immunization recommendations for children under the age of 18?

Immunizations are designed to protect children at their earliest stages of life when they are the most susceptible to potentially life-threatening diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under the age of 18 should be immunized against the following diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
• Poliovirus (IPV)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Influenza
• Measles, Mumps & Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Hepatitis A
• Meningococcal disease
• Human Papillomavirus

The majority of these immunizations are performed before a child turns six years old, with the exception of the influenza vaccine which should be administered annually.

How often will my child be immunized?

Many children receive their first immunization for Hepatitis B while they are in the hospital, shortly after birth. Over the course of the first two years of a child’s life, they are seen in Dr. Kolsi’s office for periodic checkups to make sure they are growing and developing the way they should.

According to the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule, children are given vaccines at two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 15 or 18 months, and 2 years old. They then receive booster immunizations just before they begin kindergarten at around 5 years of age.

Will I receive information regarding immunizations and their side effects?

At every appointment when immunizations are given, Dr. Kolsi will take the time to answer any questions you may have about each vaccine. You will also be given information about each vaccine, its potential side effects, and what to do should your child experience any discomfort after an immunization is given. While any vaccine can cause side effects, the CDC states that many of these are minor and resolve themselves on their own within a few days.

Some common side effects from vaccines include low-grade fever, sore muscles or redness near the injection site, or fussiness in infants.

Severe side effects as a result of immunizations are very rare and can be traced back to family histories of certain syndromes and diseases. For more information about the effectiveness of immunizations and their potential side effects, contact Dr.Kolsi.

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