Immunizations: Newborns to Elderly
For parents, one of the best ways to protect their children from the unexpected illnesses is to ensure they’re up to date on all their immunizations. Immunizations aren’t just for children, though. In fact, depending on your age, there are certain immunizations you may benefit from to keep yourself healthy.
Immunizations Wear Out
Even if you received certain vaccinations as a child, the effects of some may wear off as you age. Because of this, it’s always important to keep track of the vaccinations you’ve received and review them with your doctor at check-ups, so your doctor knows when you’re due for a new dose or a new vaccination altogether.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common immunizations based on age below.
Immunizations: Birth
Prior to leaving the hospital, your newborn will receive a variety of different immunizations, including the first of three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Immunizations: 1 to 2 Months
Between one and two months after birth, your baby will receive a handful of other vaccinations to help them develop immunity from many different diseases. Some of these vaccines include:
- Second Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- Rotavirus(RV)
- Polio (IPV)
- Pneumococcal(PCV)
Immunizations: 4 Months
At four months old, your baby will receive additional doses of the following vaccinations
Protect your baby by providing immunity early in life. Stay on track with the recommended vaccine schedule. At 4 months of age, your baby receives the following vaccines to develop immunity from potentially harmful diseases:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)Polio (IPV)
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
- Rotavirus (RV)
- Third Dose of Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine
Immunizations: 6 Months
At your baby’s six-month visit, he or she will receive additional doses of the following vaccinations:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- Polio(IPV)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
- Rotavirus (RV)
Immunizations: 12 to 23 Months
By the time your child is two-years-old, he or she has protection against 14 different preventable diseases. Between 12 and 23 months, they will continue receiving doses of the following vaccinations:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (DTaP)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Polio (IPV)
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
In addition to these vaccines, your child should begin receiving the flu vaccination each flu season.
Immunizations: 4 to 6 Years
Between four and six years of age, your child will receive the following vaccines:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (DTaP)
- Polio (IPV)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox(Varicella)
- Influenza (Flu)
Immunizations: 11 to 12 Years
Once your child is between 11 and 12-years-old, he or she will receive the following vaccinations:
- Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- HPV Vaccine
- Tdap
Immunizations: 19 to 26 Years
During these years, you should schedule annual check-ups with your doctor and stay up to date on the seasonal flu vaccine, Tdap and Td vaccines, and the HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomaviruses. The HPV virus causes many types of cervical cancers, genital warts, and anal cancer.
Immunizations: 27 to 65 Years
As you age, you should continue receiving the seasonal flu vaccine. If you’re over 50 years of age, you may also consider getting the zoster vaccine, which protects against shingles.
65 Years or Older
Throughout your older years, continue to get your seasonal flu shot and any boosters and pneumococcal vaccines you may need to protect against whooping cough, shingles, and other diseases.
No matter your age, immunizations, or vaccinations, help protect your body against potentially life-threatening diseases.
Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics
