Immunization schedule changes for children, teens

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http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/immunization-schedule-changes-children-teens

Immunization schedule changes for children, teens

New guidelines for vaccines in children and teens now include expanded

protection from pneumonia, pertussis and hepatitis B.

The guidelines for 2001, issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, include

hepatitis B vaccine for infants not receiving a birth dose. Immunization against

hepatitis B for infants not given the vaccine at birth includes 3 or 4 doses,

with the last to be given no sooner than 24 weeks of age.

Pneumonia vaccine with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) is now

replaced with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) that was approved

by the FDA February 2010 to protect against 3 pneumococcal serotypes and

prevention of ear infections. The change was found by the FDA to be cost

effective and expands protection from pneumonia, a leading cause of infant

mortality.

Meningococcal vaccine that used to be administered at age 11 or 12 only is now

updated to include a booster at age 16 to 18 to provide longer lasting immunity.

Whooping cough or pertussis vaccine should be given to children age 7 to 10 if

vaccination status is unknown or never given. The Tdap vaccine should also be

given to teens age 13 through 18 if not previously administered. Boosters are

given every 10 years.

Two doses of seasonal flu should be given to 6 to 8 year olds who did not

receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine, given four weeks apart.

The HPV4 vaccine that is given to girls to protect against genital warts may be

given in three doses to boys aged 9 to 18.

In summary, the new recommendations for childhood and teen vaccinations include

changes in hepatitis B, pneumococcal, seasonal influenza, meningococcal,

whooping cough or pertussis, influenza type B and HPV vaccine. The complete

guidelines can be found at the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Immunization schedules change yearly.