Infectious Diseases

The "Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedules – United States, 2012" includes updated schedules for children aged 0-6 years, 7-18 years, and a catch-up schedule for children with late or incomplete immunizations.

Major changes regarding three vaccines are included this year:

• All males 11- or 12-years-old should receive the HPV vaccine in a three-dose series, which can be started as early as 9 years of age.

• The meningococcal vaccine can now be given to children as young as 9 months if they are residents of or travelers to countries with epidemic disease or are at increased risk of developing meningococcal disease. Routine immunization with the meningococcal vaccine should begin at age 11-12 years, with a booster dose administered at 16 years.

• The influenza vaccine should be administered in two doses for children aged 6 months through 8 years who did not receive at least one dose of the vaccine in 2010-2011. Children who received one dose last season require only one dose for the 2011-2012 influenza season.

Click here for the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years - United States, 2012.

Click here for the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 Years - United States, 2012.

Click here for the Catch-up Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind - United States, 2012.

The schedule reflects current recommendations for use of Food and Drug Administration–licensed vaccines and has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

02/01/12  

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FROM PEDIATRICS

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