Wondertime: Child Stages: Immunizations - and More Joys of Parenting Young Children

Immunizations

1 to 3 months
Parents who are following the recommended immunization schedule should get their babies a set of shots at the 2-month well-baby check-up visit.

Although the schedule of shots does change from time to time, all health care providers are required by law to provide you with up-to-date information sheets about each shot your child is scheduled to receive before giving them.

6 to 9 months
While it is standard for just about all infants to get shots at the 6-month visit, there is enough variation in vaccine recommendations that your baby may or may not get any shots at 9 months.

9 to 12 months
If your baby is on schedule with her shots, she shouldn't need any at the 9-month visit. You should be sure to schedule her 1-year check-up no sooner than her actual birthday, since some of the 1-year-old shots must be given after a child turns 1.

12 to 18 months
Toddlers generally go for well-child check-ups every three months at this age (in other words, at 12, 15, and 18 months). Your toddler's doctor will continue to follow your toddler's growth and development, make sure he's eating and sleeping well, and answer any questions you might have.

You can expect to be given information sheets about the immunizations that your baby is due to receive at each of these visits. If your child has received all his immunizations as recommended, then the 18-month visit will mark the last check-up at which he'll need shots for a couple of years; the next shots, commonly referred to as kindergarten shots, will be given at 4 to 6 years of age.

4 years
The next set of recommended shots can be given anywhere between 4 and 6 years. Some parents and children opt to get them done at the 4-year visit, either because the child will be going to kindergarten before his next check-up or simply to get them over with.

During the visit, the doctor will certainly weigh and measure your child and perform a physical examination. A check of blood pressure, hearing, and vision is also fairly routine at 4 years.

5 years
Between the ages of 4 and 6, children should receive a set of recommended vaccines. You should be sure to have your doctor give you a record of these shots (and all of your child's previous ones), since they are generally required for school entry in most states.

6 years
If your child did not receive her 4- to 6-year-old shots at her 4- or 5-year check-ups, then you should prepare her for them at this one. And remember to get a record of these shots (and all of your child's previous ones) shots from your doctor, if you haven't already.

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