Immunizations: 12- to 18-Month Visits

November 22, 2009

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Immunizations: 12- to 18-Month Visits

by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Since immunizations are such an important part of well-child visits, you may find it helpful to learn what vaccines to expect at each checkup. The timing of immunization doses has been very carefully worked out after many years of studying vaccine safety and effectiveness. In part, the timing reflects the youngest age children can be protected. If you see that your child is immunized according to official recommendations, you can ensure that she benefits as soon as possible. Keeping your child up-to-date on her vaccines is vitally important since the vaccine-preventable diseases are most serious in young children.

Between 6 and 18 months, your child should receive the following:

IPV (inactivated polio vaccine). This vaccine prevents polio. The third dose of IPV can be given anytime between 6 and 18 months.

Hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine prevents a serious liver infection caused by hepatitis B.

Between 12 and 15 months:

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine. This vaccine prevents Hib infections such as brain infections (meningitis), bloodstream infections (bacteremia and sepsis), lung infections, and an infection of the throat that can completely block a child's ability to breathe (epiglottitis).

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This vaccine prevents infections caused by the pneumococcus including bloodstream infections, meningitis, and pneumonia.

MMR vaccine. This vaccine prevents measles, mumps, and rubella (also known as German measles).

Between 12 and 18 months:

Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. This vaccine prevents chickenpox and its complications.

Between 15 and 18 months:

DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine. This vaccine prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.

Risks of not immunizing on time
Each of these diseases is capable of causing permanent damage or death, and is more serious in young children than older individuals. If your child became infected, the results could be devastating.

Benefits of these vaccines
These vaccines are safe and highly effective. Most children respond well to these vaccines and are fully protected. Sometimes, however, the vaccines don't "take," but even in these cases, the child may be partially protected and get only mild disease.

Risks of immunizing
Some of these vaccines may cause mild temporary symptoms such as fever, soreness at the injection site, rash, or fussiness. Only in rare cases do these vaccines cause serious reactions.

Summary
Having your child immunized on time is one of the most important things you can do to ensure she stays healthy. Her chances of getting these diseases and being permanently harmed are MUCH greater than her being harmed by the vaccines.

For more information
For more information about these vaccines, including who should and should not receive them, see our articles on Vaccine Information Statements, and other reliable immunization resources.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Immunizations: The Shot Visit

Created March 28, 2001
Reviewed March 30, 2001

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