The most important vaccines for children

You want to do everything you can to keep you and your kids safe. One important way to do that: Make sure they’re up to date on their vaccines, which protect your children—and the rest of society—from harmful, preventable diseases.  

Between the busyness of life and the barriers to in-person visits during the pandemic, it’s easy to get behind on your child’s immunizations. Yet for best protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend following the childhood vaccine schedule, which can be found here. Your child’s doctor can help you make sure they get their recommended vaccines on time (or catch up, if necessary). 

Here’s what you need to know about several of the most important vaccinations, including what they are, why your kids need them, and when they should get them.  

Vaccines for children 6 years of age and younger 

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) 

When it’s given: Children typically need five doses between the ages of 2 months and 6 years. 

What it protects from: This is a combination vaccine that helps protect against three life-threatening diseases. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that causes breathing problems and can cause nerve, heart, and kidney damage. Tetanus bacteria can get into the body through a deep cut and cause painful muscle stiffness and spasms. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial disease that leads to severe coughing and choking, particularly in babies less than a year old.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) 

When it’s given: Children need a first dose between 12 and 15 months, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years. 

What it protects from: This is another combination vaccine that protects again three contagious viruses. Rubella can cause a mild fever, sore throat, and rashes, and can have serious consequences for children later in life. Mumps causes painful swelling in the glands under the ears and can lead to complications such as hearing loss. Measles can spread quickly and can lead to ear infection, diarrhea, brain swelling, and even death. 

Pneumococcal (PCV13) 

When it’s given: Children typically need a total of four doses. One dose is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months. 

What it protects from: This vaccine protects your children from a common bacteria (called Streptococcus) that’s spread through saliva or mucus and can cause a handful of complications like ear or respiratory infections, or even more serious conditions like pneumonia and bloodstream infections.  

Influenza (Flu) 

When it’s given: Children 6 months and older should get vaccinated once a year. 

What it protects from: This contagious and potentially deadly virus causes fever, cough, fatigue, aches, and even vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can catch the flu, yet children under 5 years old are at higher risk.  

Vaccines for children age 7 and older 

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (Tdap) for older children and adults 

When it’s given: Your child will receive one dose of Tdap between ages 11 and 12, and every 10 years after that. 

What it protects from: This vaccine is essentially a weaker form of the DTaP vaccine (the version of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine for children under 7 years old.). It helps the immune system keep its guard up against these three potentially deadly diseases. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

When it’s given: The CDC recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine between ages 11 and 12, though vaccination can start as early as age 9. Three doses are recommended for those who receive their first dose when they are 15 or older. 

What it protects from: HPV is a common virus spread through intimate contact and can lead to several potentially fatal cancers later in life. Receiving the HPV vaccine at the recommended ages is an easy way to reduce your child’s risk of getting HPV. Still have questions? Read more about HPV here. And learn about common HPV vaccine myths here. 

Meningococcal B (MenACWY, MenB) 

When it’s given: Children need a first dose between ages 11 and 12, and a booster at 16. 

What it protects from: Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria that’s spread through coughing or close contact with someone who is sick or carries the bacteria. Early symptoms can include a sudden high fever, headache, or a stiff neck. And it can lead to serious infections of the fluid around the brain, spinal cord, and even the blood (also called meningitis).  

It develops quickly and can cause death within hours. For those who pull through, some will have permanent disabilities such as hearing loss and brain damage. Thankfully, the vaccine is very effective at preventing this disease, especially in adolescents and young adults who are at a higher risk. 

For more information on these and other available vaccines to protect your family, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s site and click on Vaccines for Your Children