Immunization Schedule for 2 to 3 Years Old

Immunization Schedule for 2 to 3 Years Old

In the United States, certain vaccines are recommended for children and adolescents starting at birth. Vaccines are usually given at various ages, according to a schedule. The schedule is designed to protect your child by:

  • Giving vaccines at the best age for your child’s immune system to develop protection.
  • Preventing disease at the age when your child is most likely to be at risk.
  • Properly spacing doses of vaccines.

The timing of immunization doses may vary. Timing and number of doses depend on when immunizations are begun and the type of vaccine that is used.

Recommended immunizations for 2–3 years old

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

  • Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine

  • Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

  • Children who have certain high-risk conditions or have missed doses of Hib vaccine in the past should obtain the vaccine.

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine

  • Children who have certain conditions or have missed doses in the past should obtain the vaccine as recommended.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) vaccine

  • Children who have certain high-risk conditions should obtain the vaccine as recommended.

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine

  • Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine

  • Starting at age 6 months, all children should obtain the influenza vaccine every year.
  • Infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time should obtain a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose. Thereafter, only a single annual dose is recommended.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

  • Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.
  • A second dose of a 2-dose series should be obtained at age 4–6 years. The second dose may be obtained before 4 years of age if that second dose is obtained at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

Varicella (VAR) vaccine

  • Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.
  • A second dose of a 2-dose series should be obtained at age 4–6 years. If the second dose is obtained before 4 years of age, it is recommended that the second dose be obtained at least 3 months after the first dose.

Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine

  • Children who obtained 1 dose before age 24 months should obtain a second dose 6–18 months after the first dose.
  • A child who has not received the vaccine before 2 years of age should obtain the vaccine if he or she is at risk for infection or if hepatitis A protection is desired.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine

  • Children who have certain high-risk conditions, are present during an outbreak, or are traveling to a country with a high rate of meningitis should obtain the vaccine.

Questions to ask your child’s health care provider:

  • Is my child up to date on his or her vaccines?
  • What should I do if my child missed a dose of a vaccine?
  • Does my child need to delay, avoid, or skip any vaccines because of his or her health history?
  • Does my child need any special vaccines or more vaccines because of his or her health history?
  • Can I have a copy of my child’s vaccine record?

Contact a health care provider if your child:

  • Has pain where the shot was given, and the pain gets worse or does not go away after a couple of days.
  • Is fussy or does not stop crying for 3 or more hours after receiving vaccines.

Get help right away if your child:

  • Has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
  • Develops signs of an allergic reaction, including:
    • Itchy, red, swollen areas of skin (hives).
    • Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.
    • Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing.

Summary

  • At 2–3 years, your child may need to receive vaccines to catch up on missed doses. Ask your health care provider if your child is up to date on his or her vaccines.
  • After the age of 6 months, your child should receive the annual influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine. If your child is receiving IIV or LAIV for the first time, he or she should have a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
  • Your child may need other vaccines based on his or her health history.
  • Talk with your child’s health care provider if you have any other questions about vaccines or the vaccine schedule.
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