Day 9: Immunization Reminder

Immunizations are a crucial part of keeping your child healthy and protected against serious diseases. As we enter the new year, it’s important to stay on top of your child’s vaccination schedule to ensure they receive timely protection. Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs, preventing illnesses that can cause severe complications.

Why Immunizations Matter

• Protect your child: Vaccines shield children from dangerous diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio, which can lead to hospitalization or long-term health issues.

• Build community immunity: When most children are vaccinated, it helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons by reducing the spread of disease.

• Prevent outbreaks: Staying current with immunizations helps prevent the resurgence of diseases that were once common but are now rare thanks to vaccines.

• Save time and money: Avoiding vaccine-preventable illnesses means fewer doctor visits, hospital stays, and missed school or work days.

Recommended Immunization Schedule Highlights for 2026

The 2026 pediatric immunization schedule includes vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, meningococcal disease, and more. It is regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific evidence and vaccine availability. Your pediatrician can provide the most current schedule tailored to your child’s age and health needs.

Vaccine	Recommended Age	Notes
Hepatitis B (HepB)	Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months	3-dose series to protect against hepatitis B virus
Rotavirus (RV)	2 months, 4 months, (6 months if needed)	Protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis
Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)	2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years	5-dose series to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)	2 months, 4 months, 6 months (if needed), 12-15 months	Protects against Hib infections
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV15 or PCV20)	2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months	Protects against pneumococcal diseases
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)	2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, 4-6 years	Protects against poliovirus
Influenza (IIV)	Annually starting at 6 months	Annual flu vaccine recommended for all children 6 months and older
COVID-19 (mRNA or aPS)	Starting at 6 months	Follow current CDC guidance for COVID-19 vaccination
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)	12-15 months, 4-6 years	2-dose series to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella
Varicella (Chickenpox)	12-15 months, 4-6 years	2-dose series to protect against chickenpox
Hepatitis A (HepA)	12-23 months (2-dose series)	Protects against hepatitis A virus
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)	11-12 years	Booster dose for older children and adolescents
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)	Starting at 9-12 years	Protects against HPV-related cancers; 2- or 3-dose series depending on age at initiation
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY)	11-12 years, 16 years	Protects against meningococcal disease
Meningococcal B (MenB)	16-18 years (based on risk)	Recommended for certain high-risk groups
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)	8-19 months (high-risk groups)	New monoclonal antibody or vaccine options available

Your pediatrician can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s health history and local disease prevalence.

Tips for Keeping Up with Immunizations

• Schedule appointments early in the year to avoid the busy season.

• Keep a vaccination record handy and update it after each visit.

• Talk to your pediatrician about any concerns or questions.

• Use reminders on your phone or calendar to track upcoming vaccines.

  
  

Parent Tip

Add pediatric appointments to your family calendar before January gets busy to ensure your child stays protected and healthy.

Why Immunizations Are Important

Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect your child from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight infections without causing the illness itself. This protection not only safeguards your child but also helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the community, contributing to herd immunity. By keeping up with the recommended immunization schedule, you reduce the risk of outbreaks and protect vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Moreover, immunizations save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and prevent complications that can result from vaccine-preventable diseases. They are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, making them a safe and cost-effective public health tool. Ensuring your child receives timely vaccines is a vital step in promoting their long-term health and well-being.

Remember, staying informed and maintaining open communication with your pediatrician will help you make the best decisions for your child’s health.