Children’s Vaccine Schedule- A Comprehensive Guide to Immunizations by Age 12
How many vaccines do children get by age 12? This is a common question among parents and healthcare providers alike. Vaccination is a crucial part of ensuring that children are protected against various infectious diseases. By the age of 12, children have received a series of vaccinations that help build their immune system and safeguard them from potentially harmful pathogens. In this article, we will explore the number of vaccines children typically receive by the age of 12 and discuss the importance of these immunizations in their lives.
The first set of vaccines that children receive is the routine childhood immunizations, which are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These vaccines are designed to protect against a range of diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal infections.
By the age of 12, children have typically received the following vaccines:
1. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): This vaccine is administered in a series of doses throughout childhood, with the final dose usually given around the age of 12.
2. Polio: The polio vaccine is given in a series of doses, with the final dose usually administered around the age of 4 or 5. However, a booster dose may be recommended for children aged 12 or older.
3. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): This vaccine is given in two doses, with the first dose typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose around the age of 4 or 5. A booster dose is usually recommended for children aged 12 or older.
4. Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of three doses, with the final dose usually administered around the age of 6 months. A booster dose is recommended for children aged 12 or older.
5. Hib: The Hib vaccine is given in a series of doses, with the final dose usually administered around the age of 12.
6. Pneumococcal: The pneumococcal vaccine is given in a series of doses, with the final dose usually administered around the age of 12.
In addition to these routine childhood immunizations, children may also receive other vaccines, such as:
– Varicella (chickenpox): This vaccine is usually given between the ages of 12 and 15 months and may be administered again around the age of 4 or 5.
– Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls aged 11 or 12 years old and is given in a series of two doses, with the second dose administered six months after the first.
It is important for children to receive these vaccinations by the recommended age to ensure they are adequately protected against infectious diseases. Vaccinations not only protect the individual child but also contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other contraindications.
In conclusion, by the age of 12, children have typically received a series of vaccinations that help protect them from a wide range of infectious diseases. Ensuring that children are up-to-date on their immunizations is crucial for their health and well-being, as well as for the health of the community as a whole.
