What are the standard childhood vaccines?

Standard Childhood Vaccines

The standard childhood immunization schedule includes vaccines against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, with additional vaccines recommended for specific risk groups. 1

Routine Childhood Vaccines by Age Group

Birth to 6 Months

• Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose at birth (preferably before hospital discharge), second dose at 1-2 months, third dose at 6-18 months 1, 2
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, third dose at 6 months 1
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, third dose at 6 months (depending on vaccine brand) 1
• Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months 1
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, third dose at 6 months 1, 3
• Rotavirus: First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, third dose at 6 months (depending on vaccine brand) 3

7-18 Months

• Hepatitis B: Complete 3-dose series by 18 months if not completed earlier 1
• DTaP: Fourth dose at 15-18 months 4
• Hib: Complete series with final dose at 12-15 months 3
• IPV: Third dose at 6-18 months 1
• PCV: Fourth dose at 12-15 months 1
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): First dose at 12-15 months 1
• Varicella: First dose at 12-15 months 1
• Hepatitis A: First dose at 12-23 months, second dose 6 months later 1

4-6 Years

• DTaP: Fifth dose at 4-6 years 1, 4
• IPV: Fourth dose at 4-6 years 1, 4
• MMR: Second dose at 4-6 years 1, 4
• Varicella: Second dose at 4-6 years 1, 4

11-12 Years

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, acellular Pertussis (Tdap): One dose at 11-12 years 1
• Meningococcal conjugate (MCV): First dose at 11-12 years 1
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Two-dose series starting at 11-12 years 5

Annual Vaccines

• Influenza: Annual vaccination for all children 6 months and older, with children under 9 years receiving first-time vaccination needing two doses separated by at least 4 weeks 1, 6

Special Considerations

High-Risk Groups

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for use in selected states and regions with higher disease prevalence 1
• Influenza: Particularly important for children with certain high-risk conditions, with special emphasis on children aged 6-23 months who are at substantially increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations 1
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Additional doses may be recommended for children with certain high-risk conditions 1
• Meningococcal vaccine: Recommended for children with complement component deficiency, anatomic or functional asplenia, and other high-risk groups 1

Catch-Up Vaccination

• For children who start late or are more than 1 month behind, follow the catch-up immunization schedule 1
• Minimum intervals between doses must be respected to ensure adequate immune response 1

Vaccination Coverage and Impact

• National coverage goals aim for 90% immunization rates for children aged 2 years for recommended vaccines 1
• Recent data shows coverage ≥90% for poliovirus vaccine (≥3 doses), hepatitis B vaccine (≥3 doses), varicella vaccine (≥1 dose), and MMR (≥1 dose) 7, 8
• Influenza vaccine has the lowest coverage among all recommended vaccines (58.1% for ≥2 doses) 7
• Vaccination coverage is lower among children enrolled in Medicaid or without health insurance compared to privately insured children 7

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Missed opportunities: Failing to administer all due vaccines during healthcare visits is a common reason for under-vaccination 1
• Vaccine misconceptions: Healthcare providers should address parental concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy 1
• Simultaneous administration: Multiple vaccines can be safely administered during the same visit without interference between routinely recommended childhood vaccines 1, 4
• Documentation: All administered vaccines should be properly documented in the child's immunization record 4
• Supply shortages: Providers should stay informed about potential vaccine supply shortages and follow interim recommendations during such periods 1

Strong evidence supports the benefit of these vaccines for preventing infectious diseases, with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality. The recommended childhood immunization schedule is updated annually by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.