How many vaccines do children get by age 2

A significant delay in vaccination puts children at risk of the serious diseases the vaccines could prevent. If children miss a vaccine dose, parents should talk to their doctor about catching up with the schedule. Missing a dose does not require children to restart the series of injections from the beginning.

Vaccination does not need to be delayed if children have a slight fever resulting from a mild infection, such as an ordinary cold. Some vaccines are recommended only under special circumstances—for example, only when children have an increased risk of getting the disease the vaccine prevents. More than one vaccine may be given during a visit to the doctor's office, but several vaccines are often combined into one injection. For example, there is a vaccine that combines pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines in one injection.

A combination vaccine simply reduces the number of injections needed and does not reduce the safety or effectiveness of the vaccines. Following the recommended vaccination schedule is important because it helps protect infants, children, and adolescents against infections that can be prevented.

The schedule below indicates which vaccines are needed, at what age, and how many doses indicated by the numbers in the symbols. There is a range of acceptable ages for many vaccines. A child's doctor can provide specific recommendations, which may vary depending on the child's known health conditions and other circumstances. Often, combination vaccines are used so that children receive fewer injections. If children have not been vaccinated according to the schedule, catch-up vaccinations are recommended, and parents should contact a doctor or health department clinic to find out how to catch up.

Parents should report any side effects after vaccinations to their child's doctor. The first dose is typically given at birth, the second dose at age 1 to 2 months, and the third dose at age 6 to 18 months. Infants who did not receive a dose at birth should begin the series as soon as possible. With one vaccine, the first dose is given at age 2 months and the second dose at age 4 months.

With the other vaccine, the first dose is given at age 2 months, the second dose at age 4 months, and the third dose at age 6 months. The doctor will make sure all immunizations are up to date. At this age, most kids should have had these recommended vaccines:.

Your child should also get the flu vaccine every year, ideally before flu season begins. Other vaccines might be needed if the doctor determines that your child is at risk for conditions like meningococcal or pneumococcal disease.

The doctor will check your child's developmental progress, asking about behavior and specific developmental milestones. Doctors also give a screening test to help identify developmental delays and autism at the or month visit. Child safety is another topic discussed at well-child visits. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again.

Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Infant immunizations FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 28, Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 18 years, United States, Destefano F, et al.

Increasing exposure to antibody-stimulating proteins and polysaccharides in vaccines is not associated with risk of autism. The Journal of Pediatrics. Enterovirus D How can I protect my child? Flu shots for kids Fruit juice for kids Hand-washing tips Hygiene hypothesis Iron deficiency in children Language development Preventing lead exposure Mayo Clinic Minute: Are you keeping your child as safe as possible in the car?

It's important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up. Routine vaccinations for babies, pre-school children and adults are continuing as normal. Some vaccines are only available on the NHS for groups of people who need extra protection. If you're starting college or university you should make sure you've already had:.

Page last reviewed: 30 July Next review due: 30 July