Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVaccination ScheduleDiphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)Polio Vaccine (IPV)Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)Rotavirus (RV)Hepatitis B (HBV)Influenza (Flu)COVID-19Vaccine Side EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vaccination Schedule
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
Rotavirus (RV)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Influenza (Flu)
COVID-19
Vaccine Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
During their 6-month wellness visit, babies are scheduled to receive up to eight vaccines that protect against harmful diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendedimmunization schedulesplits vaccines into a series of doses spread out during early childhood. Six-month vaccines commonly include hepatitis B, pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, and diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DTap).
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
6-Month Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations may also be called:Injections or shotsVaccinesImmunizationsInoculation
Vaccinations may also be called:
Which Vaccines Are Mandatory?
The second of five doses ofDTaPis given at 6 months old. The fifth dose is usually given around 4 to 6 years old. Immunity may start to wear off around 11 to 12 years old. A booster called the Tdap is generally given at that time or later in life as needed. This vaccine helps prevent:
Pertussis or Whooping Cough?Pertussis is a respiratory disease that can cause severe coughing.It is commonly called whooping cough because of the sound you make when trying to catch your breath after coughing.
Pertussis or Whooping Cough?
Pertussis is a respiratory disease that can cause severe coughing.It is commonly called whooping cough because of the sound you make when trying to catch your breath after coughing.
Haemophilus InfluenzaeType B (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzaetype B (Hib) is a bacteria that can cause:
Because of its name, Hib is often confused with seasonal influenza (flu). However, these are two different diseases. Hib is a bacteria, while the flu is a virus.
Poliois a disease that causes symptoms that range from a sore throat to paralysis. It was very feared during the late 1940s before the vaccination program began, and infections in the U.S. decreased dramatically.
Worldwide Polio Cases
Streptococcus pneumoniaeor pneumococcus are bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. The PCV is given to protect against pneumococcal disease, which can cause:
The CDC recommends four doses ofPCVto be given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months of age.
Two brands of therotavirus vaccineare given in the United States. RotaTeq (RV 5) is given in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months old. The other brand, Rotarix (RV1), does not include the third dose.
Hepatitis Bis a viral infection passed through body fluids and damages the liver. Babies are vaccinated against hepatitis B in three doses.
The firstHBV doseis usually given within 12 hours of an infant’s life. This is done in case their mother unknowingly passed Hepatitis B to them at birth. The final dose of HBV is given between 6 and 18 months.
Do You Know How Viral Hepatitis Is Really Spread?
Injection or Nasal SprayWhile the influenza vaccine is available as an injection (shot) or nasal (nose) spray, the nasal spray is only approved for children 2 years or older.
Injection or Nasal Spray
While the influenza vaccine is available as an injection (shot) or nasal (nose) spray, the nasal spray is only approved for children 2 years or older.
ThePfizer vaccineis given in three doses, with the first two doses given three weeks apart and the third dose given eight weeks after the second dose. TheModernaprimary series is given in two doses one month apart. an updated booster is recommended at least two months after the second dose.
The most commonvaccination side effectsare tenderness, redness, or swelling at the shot site or a low-grade fever (101 degrees or lower).
Occasionally the following mild side effects may occur:
Severe Side Effects Are RareSevere side effects or allergic reactions from vaccinations are rare.Those that do occur usually begin 20 minutes to two hours after giving the vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider before your appointment if you are concerned about rare side effects or allergic reactions.
Severe Side Effects Are Rare
Severe side effects or allergic reactions from vaccinations are rare.Those that do occur usually begin 20 minutes to two hours after giving the vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider before your appointment if you are concerned about rare side effects or allergic reactions.
Medications to Reduce Fever and Discomfort
When to Contact the Pediatrician
When to Call 9-1-1
If you think your infant is having a life-threatening emergency or any of the following rare reactions, call 9-1-1 immediately:
Summary
Vaccinations are given to help prevent serious diseases. The CDC and AAP recommend a schedule for children that includes eight vaccines covering 10 diseases given around 6 months old. Side effects or reactions are generally mild and can be treated at home.
A Word From Verywell
Parents are often concerned about comforting their babies during vaccinations. Smiling and using a soothing voice are one of the best ways to reassure your 6-month-old during their appointment. It can be helpful to bring their favorite toy or blanket for distraction and comfort during and after their wellness check.
For babies this age, distraction is a good technique. You can try singing or using toys to get their attention. It’s also helpful to smile and talk in a soothing, calm voice. This helps reassure your infant that everything is ok.Learn MoreCalming Your Child After Vaccinations
For babies this age, distraction is a good technique. You can try singing or using toys to get their attention. It’s also helpful to smile and talk in a soothing, calm voice. This helps reassure your infant that everything is ok.
Learn MoreCalming Your Child After Vaccinations
Learn MoreVaccine Side Effects and Adverse Events
12-Month Vaccines: What You Should Know
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): general committee-related information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rotavirus vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State vaccination requirements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine: what you need to know.
Hall JM, Bitzer GJ, DeJong MA, et al.Mucosal immunization with DTaP confers protection againstBordetella pertussisinfection and cough in Sprague-Dawley rats.Infect Immun. 2021;89(12):e0034621. doi:10.1128/IAI.00346-21
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Our progress against polio.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rotavirus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for your children: flu (influenza).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu).
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including boosters.
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Daley MF, O’Leary ST, Nyquist A, Cataldi JR.Immunization. In: Hay Jr. WW, Levin MJ, Abzug MJ, Bunik M. eds.Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics, 25e. McGraw Hill; 2020.
Immunization Action Coalition.After the shots.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for your children: 1 to 2 months.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) dose table.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Ibuprofen dosing table for fever and pain.
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