Immunization Schedule for 6 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 6 months old

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

• The third dose of a 3-dose series should be obtained at age 6–18 months.
• The third dose should be obtained no earlier than age 24 weeks and at least 16 weeks after the first dose and 8 weeks after the second dose.
• A fourth dose is recommended when a combination vaccine is received after the birth dose. If needed, the fourth dose should be obtained at age 24 weeks or later.

Rotavirus (RV) vaccine

• A third dose should be obtained if any previous dose was a 3-dose series vaccine or if any previous vaccine type is not known.
• If needed, the third dose should be obtained at least 4 weeks after the second dose.
• The final dose of a 2-dose or 3-dose series must be obtained before the age of 8 months.
• Immunization should not be started for infants aged 15 weeks and older.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine

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

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

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

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine

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

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine

• The third dose of a 4-dose series should be obtained at age 6–18 months.

Influenza (IIV) vaccine

• Starting at age 6 months, all children should obtain influenza vaccine every year.
• Infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years who are receiving 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.

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 6 months, most children should receive the third dose of HepB, DTaP, PCV13, and IPV. Depending on the specific vaccine your child receives, he or she may also need a third dose of the RV and Hib vaccines at this time.
• Starting at the age of 6 months, your child should receive the annual influenza (IIV) vaccine. If your child is receiving IIV 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 questions about vaccines or the vaccine schedule.