Keeping up to date with vaccinations and immunization records plays an important role in staying one step ahead of infectious diseases. It is particularly important in children and infants, with modern vaccines providing protection against a number of illnesses that can prove dangerous and potentially life-threatening to pediatric patients. A survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and Parents magazine found many parents still demonstrate a lack of knowledge about certain conditions and the availability  of vaccines for their infants. 

The study polled 2,000 expectant mothers and parents of infants under the age of two to assess their knowledge of childhood infectious diseases. Only 30 percent of parents with children in this age range were knowledgeable about invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), with almost one in four (23%) admitting they had never heard of the condition. Results also showed nearly seven out of ten (69%) were knowledgeable about whooping cough, while a similar proportion displayed knowledge about measles (68%).

Commenting on the results, Jen Trachetenberg, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and contributor to Parents magazine, said: "The first few years of parenthood are a series of learning experiences, but when it comes to infectious diseases, such as IPD, it's best to be as prepared as possible."

At present, there are 14 diseases that infants can be immunized against. Most require more than one shot, so it can be difficult for parents to organize their child's immunization schedule. For help with this, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunizations and Developmental Milestones chart to get started planning your child's vaccinations.

To help you, we have put together a list of ten vaccinations available to young children, which diseases they protect against, and the number of doses recommended for immunization. In some cases, different vaccinations are available from different manufacturers, so the number of dosages and age they are appropriate for varies. Consult with a doctor for more specifics about which is most suitable for your family.

1. MMR (e.g. M-M-R II, ProQuad)

Protects against: Measles, mumps and rubella. 

Two doses recommended: one at 2-15 months, and another between the ages of four and six.

2. DtaP (e.g. Daptacel, Infanrix)

Protects against: Diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough

Five doses recommended at ages: two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months and four to six years.

3. IPV (e.g. Ipol)

Protects against: Polio

Four doses recommended at ages:  two months, four months, six through 18 months, and four through six years.

4. Hib (e.g. Pentacel, Pediarix)

Protects against: Haemophilus influenzae type b

Four doses recommended: two months, four months, six months (for some brands), and 12 through 15 months.

5. PCV13 (e.g. Prevnar 13)

Protects against: Pneumococcal disease

4Fourdoses recommended: two months, four months, six months, and between 12 and 15 months.

6. Influenza (e.g. Fluzone, FluLaval)

Protects against: Influenza (the flu)

Annual doses recommended, starting at six months old.

7. Rotavirus (e.g. RotaTeq, Rotarix)

Protects against: Rotavirus

Two or three doses recommended: two months, four months and six months.

8. HepA (e.g. Havrix, Vaqta)

Protects against: Hepatitis A

Two doses recommended: 12 through 23 months and the second six to 18 months after the first

9. HepB (e.g. Engerix B, Recombivax HB)

Protects against: Hepatitis B

Three doses recommended: Birth, one to two months, and six months.

10. Varicella (e.g. Varivax)

Protects against: Chickenpox

Two doses recommended: 12 through 15 months and four through six years.

 

To discuss vaccinations, the different shots available and their suitability for your children, speak to your local pharmacist or physician. To find out more about immunizations in your state, visit the CDC's Awardee Immunization Websites for quick access to your state's vaccination or public health websites.