IMMUNIZATION

Nearly all children are vaccinated by the age 4 or 5 years because they must be immunized before they are allowed to enter school. For most vaccines, immunization should begin when a child reaches age 2 to 3 months.

Diphtheria.The vaccine usually is given in combination with tetanus and whooping chough vaccines. The immunization should be started when the child reaches 2 months of age and is given as series of 5 shots. A booster shot should be given every 10 years.

Whooping cough.Immunization is begun between 1 and 3 months of age. A few children may have reaction to the shot, in which case no further injections should be given.

Tetanus.Tetanus toxoid usually is given to children in a series of 5 shots, in combination with diphtheria and whooping cough immunization.It is given at ages 2, 4, and 5 months, again at 18 months, and before the child enters school. A tetanus/diphtheria booster is given every 10 years.

Polio.Poliomyelitis vaccine generally is given orally as a live vaccine at ages 2 and 4 months and at 18 months.

Measles.A live weakened measles vaccine is given to healthy children at about 15 months of age, usually in combination with mumps and rubella vaccines.

Mumps.Mumps vaccine is given in one dose, usually in combination with measles and rubella vaccines. It should not be given to children younger than 1 year.

Hepatitis A.A safe and effective vaccine is available for people at high risk for hepatitis A or travelers. This vaccine also is being considered for universal use in children. Persons younger than 18 years receive a three-injection series of vaccine; those older than 18 receive two injections.

Hepatitis B.A vaccine is available for people who are at risk of contracting the disease and are not immune. It is also now recommended that children be immunized against hepatitis B during the first month of life, at 2 to 4 months, and again at 6 to 18 months.

Rabies.If you are bitten by a rabid animal, you must receive a vaccine, given as five injections on separate days (the first day and 3, 7, 14, 28 days later), along with a passive antibody given on the first day.

Chickenpox (Varicella).A vaccine for prevention of chickenpox is available and should be considered for children between ages 12 and 18 months. Children younger than 13 years receive one dose of vaccine. Those older than 13 receive two doses given 4 to 8 weeks apart.