Earliest Age for DTaP and IPV Administration
The earliest age to administer both DTaP and inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is 6 weeks of age, with the standard recommended schedule beginning at 2 months (8 weeks) of age. 1, 2
Minimum Age Requirements
- The minimum age for DTaP vaccine is 6 weeks 2
- The minimum age for IPV vaccine is 6 weeks 1, 2
- Both vaccines share the same minimum age threshold and can be administered simultaneously at the same visit 1, 2
Standard Recommended Schedule
- The CDC recommends the first dose of DTaP at 2 months of age, followed by doses at 4 months, 6 months, and 15-18 months 1
- IPV should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years 1
- The 2-month visit (at exactly 8 weeks) is the standard starting point for both vaccines in routine practice 2
Minimum Intervals Between Doses
- A minimum interval of 4 weeks should occur between the first and second doses of DTaP 1
- The third dose of DTaP should not be administered before 14 weeks of age 1
- IPV doses may be administered at 4-week intervals when an accelerated or catch-up schedule is needed 1
Critical Timing Considerations
- While 6 weeks is the absolute minimum age, waiting until exactly 2 months (8 weeks) is preferred to align with the complete vaccine series including Hib, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus vaccines 2
- Rotavirus vaccine has a narrow window and must be initiated between 6-12 weeks of age, making the 2-month visit the optimal time to start all infant vaccines together 2
- An 8-week interval between doses is preferred over the 4-week minimum when possible 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not administer DTaP or IPV before 6 weeks of age - this would be outside the licensed age range 2
- Avoid starting the vaccine series too early (before 8 weeks) unless there is a compelling reason, as this may interfere with coordination of the complete infant vaccine schedule 2
- Do not confuse DTaP with Tdap - Tdap is the adolescent/adult formulation and is not appropriate for infants 3