Hop to it! childhood and adolescent immunization schedule [June 15, 2007]

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Common Questions About Immunization & Childhood Diseases
What Are Immunizations?
Immunizations, also called vaccinations or shots, are a form of medicine made to protect people against many preventable diseases. These medicines are usually given by injection (shot). If your child is not properly immunized and gets one of these diseases, it can lead to a severe illness which can cripple or even cause the death of your child.
When To Immunize?
Children begin vaccinations at birth. Children will need several vaccinations during their first 12-18 months of life and at different times for the rest of their lives.
Where Can My Child Be Immunized?
Call your doctor's office or local health care clinic to find out the time and place to get your child immunized.
How Do I Pay For Immunizations?
Many health insurance plans, including Medicaid and PeachCare, cover the cost of immunizations. If your health insurance plan does not cover immunizations, check to see if your health care provider offers the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. VFC is a federally funded program that provides vaccines to local doctors and health care clinics for children who meet required guidelines.

Why Immunize Your Child?

Immunizing your child will help protect him/her from these

harmful diseases:

hepatitis B

mumps

hepatitis A

rubella (German measles)

diphtheria

varicella zoster (chickenpox)

tetanus (lockjaw)

pneumococcal disease

pertussis (whooping cough) influenza ("flu")

H. influenzae type b disease meningococcal disease

polio

rotavirus disease

measles

human papillomavirus (HPV)

These diseases can result in breathing problems, liver, lung and brain damage, heart problems, blindness, deafness, liver cancer and even death. All of these diseases, except tetanus, are spread from person to person. Pre-schools, child care centers, schools, and post high-school educational institutions require students to be up-to-date with their vaccinations.

Where Can I Find A Record Of My Child's Immunizations?

Contact your health care provider. Georgia providers submit immunization records to the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS). GRITS maintains immunization records in a computer database, regardless of when, or where in Georgia the shots were administered.

Who Should Be Immunized?
Every child should be fully immunized.
Immunizing your children will protect them against harmful diseases. (See the immunization schedule for a complete list of recommended vaccinations.)

Are Immunizations Safe?
No vaccine is fully without risk. The risk of getting a disease by not being vaccinated is far greater than the chance of problems from the vaccine itself. It is important to remember that all vaccines are tested many times to ensure they are safe for your child.
Are There Any Common Side Effects To Immunizations?
Yes, common side effects may include a slight fever or redness, tenderness and swelling at the site of vaccination for a day or two. These side effects are mild and may not appear with each immunization. You should discuss any health concerns you may have with your doctor or health care clinic staff.
If you feel your child has had an unusual or severe side effect to an immunization, contact your health care provider for immediate evaluation and attention; and request they file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) report at 1-800-822-7967.
Can My Child Be Immunized Even If He/She Is Sick?
A minor illness should not prevent your child from being immunized. Consult with your doctor or health care clinic.
What If My Child Misses Some Of His/Her Immunizations?
You should never skip a scheduled immunization visit for your child. But if you do miss an immunization, your doctor or health care clinic can put your child on a "catch-up" schedule. Always keep an up-to-date immunization record for your child. Ask your doctor or health care clinic to review your child's record at each visit and to tell you when the next vaccination is needed.
For more information visit the Georgia Immunization Program Website www.health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization
or call 404-657-3158.
DPH06/096HW Form 3116 (Rev. 2007)

CHILDHOOD & ADOLESCENT IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

HOP
TOIT!

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How To Keep On Track!
Begin your child's immunizations on time. Hepatitis B can be given at birth and other vaccines started at 6 weeks of age.
Never miss a chance to get your child immunized. Have your doctor or nurse review, update and enter each
immunization given into the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS). Keep a record of your child's immunizations and take it with you when you visit your doctor or public health clinic. If you don't have a record, ask your provider to check GRITS. Mark the due date of your child's next vaccination and stay on schedule. Talk with your doctor or nurse about each vaccine. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be careful to review all vaccine facts that you receive before your child is immunized.
How To Comfort Your Child.
Stay Calm Your child can sense if you are nervous or upset. Talk Quietly Speak in a soothing quiet voice to comfort your child. Hold Your Child Being close to you will comfort your child. Preoccupy Your Child Try to distract your child with other things such as singing or playing a game. Bring a Toy A toy or special item from home can help calm your child. Allow Your Child To Cry It's a normal response. Be Truthful Don't tell your child it won't hurt.

When to Immunize. ( Vaccines are listed by the age and age range they are to be given)

Age

Hep B

D Ta P / T d a p

Hib

Polio

PCV

RV

MMR

(Hepatitis B) (Diphtheria, (Haemophilus

(Pneumococcal (Rotavirus)

(Measles,

Tetanus,

influenzae

Conjugate)

Mumps &

Pertussis)

type B)

Rubella)

Birth

Each frog equals one dose.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Hep A (Hepatitis A)

MCV4 (Meningococcal
Conjugate)

Influenza

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

1 Month

2 Months
1
4 Months
2
6 Months

12-18 Months

1923 Months

24-47 months

46 Years

7-10 Years 1112 Years

Catch-Up4

13-14 Years

15 Years

16-18 Years

15-18 months 12-15 months

Catch-Up4

Catch-Up4 (to 5 years)

Catch-Up4 5

Catch-Up4,5 (Tdap/Td)

Catch-Up4 Catch-Up4

12-15 months
Catch-Up4,7 (to 5 years)

12-15 months Catch-Up4

12-15 months Catch-Up4

2 doses 6 months apart

3,8
6-59 months (given for each
flu season)

Children 2 through

Recommended

10 years of age who are at high risk may

annually for children with certain
risk conditions.

need a different type

of meningococcal

vaccine (MPSV4).

Catch-Up4

Catch-Up4

Catch-Up4

Recommended for children at risk who are 2 years of age and older if not previously vaccinated.

Catch-Up4 College Bound6

3 doses Female Only Catch-Up4

This schedule was adapted from the immunization schedule published by the Immunization Action Coalition and the recommendations approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

1 Your infant may not need a dose of Hep B at 4 months of age depending on the type of vaccine that your healthcare provider uses.

2 Your infant may not need a dose of Hib vaccine at 6 months of age depending on the type of vaccine that your healthcare provider uses.

3 If your child is younger than 9 years and is getting vaccinated against influenza for the first time, he should get 2 doses spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

4 If your child's vaccinations are delayed or missed entirely, they should be given as soon as possible.

5 One dose of Tdap is recommended for persons 11 years and older.

6 If you have a teenager who is enrolling in college and planning to live in a dormitory, he should also be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

7 Children ages 2 years and older with high risk health problems may need an additional type of pneumococcal vaccine (PPV).

8 Close contacts of children 0-59 months of age and children ages 5 years and older with high risk health problems need to be vaccinated each year.