Childhood Vaccines—What’s New

Getting your children vaccinated is one of the most important—and safest—ways to protect their health. Here are the latest updates from the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you have questions, ask your pediatrician or family health professional, says nurse practitioner Deborah Busch, C.R.N.P., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster — A whooping cough (pertussis) booster vaccine has been added to this vaccination, now called TDAP. It’s given to children 11-12 years old, with an added booster every 10 years.

Meningitis — A new, longer-lasting meningitis vaccine covering five of the main strains is recommended for children age 11-12. If your child wasn’t vaccinated at that age, she should be during her teen years or before college, especially if she’ll live in a dormitory.

Hepatitis A — This vaccine is now recommended for all children age 12 months and over. The vaccine comes in two doses given six months apart.

Rotavirus — A new vaccine for rotavirus, a disease that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants, was recently approved. It’s given in three oral doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

Want to Know More about the importance and safety of vaccines, or the current immunization guidelines? Click above.

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