Immunization Schedule for 4 Months Baby

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 4 months old

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

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

Rotavirus (RV) vaccine

• The second dose of a 2-dose or 3-dose series should be obtained.
• The second dose should be obtained at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
• The final dose in a 2-dose or 3-dose series must be obtained before 8 months of age.
• Immunization should not be started for infants aged 15 weeks and older.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine

• The second dose of a 5-dose series should be obtained.
• The second dose should be obtained at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

• The second dose of a 2-dose series and booster dose or 3-dose series and booster dose should be obtained.
• The second dose should be obtained at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine

• The second dose of a 4-dose series should be obtained at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine

• The second dose of a 4-dose series should be obtained.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine

• Infants 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 this 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:

• 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 or swallowing.

Summary

• At 4 months, most children should receive the second dose of RV, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, and IPV as part of the standard immunization schedule.
• 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 questions about vaccines or the vaccine schedule.