Essential Catch-Up Immunization Guide for Children

Comprehensive Catch-Up Immunization Plan for Kids

If your child's vaccinations were delayed or skipped, the CDC's catch-up immunization schedule offers a reliable plan to ensure they are protected. Designed for children aged 4 months to 18 years, this schedule helps administer necessary doses at appropriate intervals, including special exemption cases and routine catch-up doses. Medical guidance is recommended for combination vaccines and specific age groups. The schedule emphasizes correcting missed doses to maintain immunity, with flexible timing guidelines to accommodate individual needs.

Here's an overview of the CDC's recommended intervals for children aged 4 months to 6 years who need to catch up on vaccinations:

Hepatitis B: The second dose should follow the first by at least 4 weeks. The third dose is ideally given 16 weeks after the initial dose, with a minimum age of 24 weeks.

Rotavirus: The second dose is scheduled around 14 weeks of age, and the final dose should be completed by 8 months.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis: Maintain at least 4 weeks between doses 1 and 2, and dose 3 should follow 6 months after dose 2.

Haemophilus influenza type B: If given before the first birthday, doses should be spaced by at least 4 weeks. The last dose should be administered at least 8 weeks after dose 2.

Pneumococcal: Follow the same intervals as for Hib vaccines.

Inactivated Poliovirus: Ensure at least 4 weeks between doses 1-3, with the final dose at least 6 months after dose 3.

MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A: The second dose should be at least 4 weeks after the first.

Meningococcal: The doses should be spaced at least 8 weeks apart.

For missed doses, the first dose can be administered at any time, and the subsequent dose should be given after at least a month. Following this schedule helps ensure your child's timely protection against preventable diseases.