2006 Immunization Schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated the recommended childhood immunization schedule for 2006. Actually, the recommendation is a joint statement made by the AAP, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Unlike recent years, there are actually some changes this year, which unfortunately are going to mean some extra shots for kids. Included in the changes are:

• that the Hepatitis A vaccine is now recommended for all infants between the ages of 12 and 23 months, with a second dose six months later. Previously, children got this shot after age two years, but mostly if they lived in high risk areas. Children over age two may also need a Hepatitis A shot depending on requirements in your state and community, for example, children in Texas are required to have the Hepaititis A shot to attended day care.
  
  
• a single dose of a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), such as Menactra, is recommended for all 11 to 12 years, for teens entering high school, for teens at age 15, or for college freshman who will be living in a dorm. This vaccine prevents sepsis and meningitis.
  
  
• a single dose of Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix or Adacel, to prevent tetanus and pertussis, for 11 to 12 year olds and older teens who haven't had their tetanus booster yet.
  
  
• the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine has again been emphasized.
  
  

2006 Immunization Schedule

• Birth - HepB
• 1 Month - HepB (1-2 months)
• 2 Months - DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV
• 4 Months - HepB, DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV
• 6 Months - HepB (6-18 months), DTaP, Hib, IPV (6-18 months), PCV, Influenza (6-23 months)
• 12 Months - Hib (12-15 months), MMR (12-15 months), Varicella (12-18 months), PCV (12-15 months), HepA (12-23 months)
• 15 Months - DTaP (15-18 months)
• 4-6 Years - DTaP, IPV, MMR
• 11-12 Years - Tdap, MCV4

View a graphic version of the immunization schedule.

Future of Vaccines

In the near future, we might look for the following vaccines:

• RotaTeq, a new live, oral rotavirus vaccine
• Pentavac, a combination of DTaP, IPV, and Hib.
• ProQuad, a combination of MMR and Varivax (the chicken pox vaccine) in a single shot. This vaccine is actually already available, but we can probably expect it to be in wider use in the future.

References

• AAP Press Release - AAP ISSUES RECOMMENDED 2006 IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
• MMWR, January 6, 2006/ 54(52),Q1-Q4. Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule --- United States, 2006