Common Immunizations Given at Pediatrics 5280

There are a number of vaccinations that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend for newborns and young children. All of these immunizations are administered at your pediatrician’s office to protect children from preventable diseases like polio, measles, and many more.

Stay proactive and aware of which vaccinations your child will need throughout their lifetime by referring to the Pediatrics 5280 immunization schedule, or by calling our pediatric offices in Centennial and Castle Rock. We also serve nearby areas of Parker, Lone Tree, and Highlands Ranch, Colorado!

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically first administered immediately after birth to protect infants from Hepatitis B, a serious type of viral liver infection that can lead to permanent liver scarring, liver cancer and liver failure. 3 doses total are given, recommended at birth, 6 months and 9 months. If Vaxelis (see below) is given, then no doses of Hep B are needed/given at the 9 month visit.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly contagious viral gastrointestinal illness resulting in vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration that leads to over 215,000 deaths annually, primarily in young infants. Adults can also be affected by Rotavirus, although they are less likely to experience severe complications. 3 doses total are given, recommended at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months.

Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB)

Haemophilus influenzae B is a bacteria that can lead to many kinds of serious infection throughout the body, including sepsis (blood infection) and meningitis (brain infection). This invasive disease commonly results in emergency intervention at a hospital facility, and can result in death if it progresses beyond the point of treatment. 4 doses total are given, recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 months.

Pneumococcal Conjugate (Prevnar 15)

Prevnar 15 was developed to protect adults and children from pneumococcal bacterial disease, which can lead to serious infections of the body’s vital systems like the lungs, blood, and brain. The vaccine protects against 15 different types of pneumococcal bacteria. While pneumococcal disease can affect anyone and everyone, it is especially dangerous to those with vulnerable immune systems, such as young children and the elderly. 4 doses total are given, recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months.

Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)

Inactivated poliovirus is an immunization used to prevent and eradicate polio, which is a viral disease that can easily spread from one person to another, and can cause permanent paralysis and even death. 4 doses total are given, recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 9 months and 5 years old. If Vaxelis (see below) is given, then no doses of IPV are needed/given at the 9 month visit.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

The MMR vaccine helps to protect young children from a combination of preventable diseases; measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is often a requirement for school entry, meaning that students must receive the 2 necessary doses before they will be allowed to enroll in classes. 2 doses total are given, recommended at 12 months and 4 years old.

Varicella (VZV)

Many parents are aware of (and may have had) chickenpox, which is medically known as varicella. For years it was assumed that all individuals would encounter and contract this highly contagious viral infection at some point in their lifetime, but with the help of the vaccination it is entirely possible to prevent chickenpox.

This vaccine has been proven effective in 98% of people, and has significantly reduced the severity of symptoms associated with chickenpox for the remaining population not totally immune to the disease. 2 doses total are given, recommended at 12 months and 4 years old.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Acellular Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)

The DTaP vaccination is able to protect individuals from all three diseases stated in its name. DTaP is specially designed to be given to children under the age of 7. For individuals age 7 and up, there is another common vaccination, Tdap, which is also used to treat tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. The Tdap vaccine is administered as a booster for DTaP injection.

Both diphtheria and acellular pertussis can lead to severe infection of a patient’s respiratory system, making it difficult for them to breathe. Tetanus causes the muscles of the body to tighten uncontrollably and lock into place, resulting in the inability to breathe and swallow properly. 5 doses total of DTaP are given, recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 5 years old. 1 dose of Tdap is given, recommended at 11 years old.

Hepatitis A

Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A is an infectious viral disease that affects liver function. The primary difference between these two types of hepatitis is that Hepatitis B is typically spread through bodily fluid contact while Hepatitis A is most often due to consumption of contaminated food or water. 2 doses total are given, recommended at 15 months and 2 years old.

Meningococcal & Meningococcal B

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare yet serious bacterial brain infection that can be difficult to treat once contracted. Many of those who survive this infection will suffer permanent disabilities like deafness and brain damage. These unfortunate outcomes can be avoided using the meningococcal vaccines to prevent illness. 2 doses total are given of Menquadfi, recommended at 11 years old and 16 years old.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV 9) is a common sexually transmitted viral infection. This disease consists of many different strains of the virus, some of which cause genital warts, while some strains can lead to different types of cancer (cervical, penile, oral) if not properly prevented, diagnosed, or treated. 2 doses total are given if started before age 15, 3 doses total if started after the age of 15. Recommended starting at age 11 years old.

Influenza

The flu is a viral illness that can affect anyone but is particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65 and people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma. While receiving a seasonal flu shot will not guarantee protection from every strain of the flu, it can help to minimize symptoms and prevent hospitalization or death, if the illness still does occur. Recommended every year during flu season for those 6months+.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine is currently approved for ages 6 months and above. While receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will not guarantee protection from ever catching COVID-19, it can help to minimize symptoms and prevent hospitalization or death, if the illness still does occur. Currently, only the updated bivalent COVID vaccine is approved for use. (Last updated 05/09/23)

VAXELIS (DTAP/IPV/HIB/HEP B)

Vaxelis is a combination vaccine approved to prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Hepatitis B. We now offer this at the 2 month, 4 month, and 6 month visits. It takes the place of the individual doses of DTaP, IPV, Hib and Hep B <1 year of age. If Vaxelis is given, then no doses of IPV and Hep B are needed/given at the 9 month visit.

MMRV (MMR and Varicella)

MMRV is a combination vaccine approved to prevent Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella. We offer this option at age 4 years in place of the separate MMR and Varicella vaccines.  Children can receive MMRV, DTaP and IPV at age 4 years, or MMRV at age 4 years and DTaP and IPV at age 5 years.

The Importance of Vaccinations for Children

All of the diseases mentioned above can cause serious effects, which may even result in death. Make sure to protect yourself and your children by referring to our immunization schedule to know which vaccinations you need and when you need them.

For more information on the safety of vaccines, please refer to the Pediatrics 5280: FAQ’s and Advice on Vaccines handout.

View our Pediatric Immunization Calendar

Immunization Calendar