Vaccinations are the best way to protect infants and children from deadly diseases. Many deadly illnesses have been eradicated by the use of vaccines. A lot of conditions may cause serious harm to small children, hospitalization, or even death. Depending on a person’s lifestyle, job, travel habits, or health conditions, additional doses of vaccines are recommended into adulthood.
AFC Urgent Care Burlington provides a variety of vaccinations to our patients. If you or your child are in need of vaccines, call or visit our center today for more information. We accept all patients on a walk-in basis, so you don’t need to worry about making an appointment.
At Birth
The only vaccine that is recommended for your child at birth is the first dose of Hepatitis B. Hep B can cause swelling of the liver and lifelong complications. It’s crucial to get infants and small children vaccinated against Hep B because they are more likely to develop chronic, lifelong conditions than adults.
Age 1 to 4 Months
Beginning at one month of age, it’s recommended that babies receive:
- Second dose against Hep B,
- DTap vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough
- Hib vaccine,
- Polio vaccine,
- Rotavirus vaccine,
- Pneumococcal vaccine
Many of these vaccines are given in additional doses at 4 and 6 months. The Hepatitis B vaccine is only three doses, so it isn’t recommended at six months.
Age 7 to 11 Months
There aren’t any vaccines that are recommended at this age frame. However, if your child has missed any vaccines, this is the best time for them to receive them.
Over the age of 6 months, babies are eligible to receive their flu shot each flu season.
Age 12 to 23 Months
By the age of two, your child should be protected against 14 different preventable diseases. Some of the mentioned vaccines act as boosters as they lose efficacy over time. The recommended vaccines for up to 23 months include:
- Chickenpox vaccine
- DTaP vaccine (booster)
- Hib vaccine
- MMR vaccine protects against the measles, mumps, and rubella
- Polio vaccine (booster)
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Age 2 to 3 Years
At this age, there aren’t any recommended vaccines. However, your child should be visiting their pediatrician for regular checkups.
Age 4 to 6 Years
The vaccines at this age also act as boosters, as mentioned earlier. They should receive these vaccines during their regular checkups, as well as a flu shot during flu season. Recommended booster vaccines include:
- DTaP vaccine (booster)
- Polio vaccine (booster)
- MMR vaccine (booster)
- Chickenpox vaccine (booster)
