Screenings & Immunizations for Infants & Toddlers

Screenings & Immunizations for Infants & Toddlers

Immunizations are often given as shots. Screenings are tests given to detect a health condition. Together, they can help your child stay protected from disease and maintain wellness.

Keep good records

Ask your doctor for a screening and immunization record. This keeps track of your child's tests and shots. Keep this record in a safe place. Child care providers and schools will ask for it. Bring the record to every doctor visit.

Immunization tips

Most shots are given by the time your child is 2 years old. But some are given into the teen years. Consider these tips to help ensure your child gets proper immunizations:

Ask your doctor what shots your child needs and what age your child should get them.
Follow your doctor's schedule. When your child is getting one shot, make an appointment for the next.
Don't miss your child's doctor visit. If you have to cancel, set up another one.
Your child may run a fever or have swelling in the shot location after getting a shot. Check with your doctor about giving your child over-the-counter pain medication. And if you do, follow the directions carefully.
Ask your doctor about giving aspirin to children younger than age 19. It's been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

Recommended immunizations*

Age	Immunization	Who, when and how often
Newborn	Hepatitis B	Birth dose – given before hospital discharge Second dose should be given at 1-12 months Third dose should be given at 4 months
6 weeks	Rotavirus (Rota)	Minimum age – 6 weeks Maximum age – 12 weeks
6 weeks - 6 months	Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis	Minimum age – 6 weeks Final dose should be given between 4-6 years
6 weeks - 6 months	Haemophilus influenzae type b	Minimum age – 6 weeks A dose may be required at 6 months
6 weeks - 6 months	Pneumococcal	Minimum age – 6 weeks for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Minimum age – 2 years for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
2-6 months	Inactivated Poliovirus	Minimum age – 2 months
6 months+	Influenza	Minimum age – 6 months for trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine Minimum age – 2 years for live, attenuated influenza vaccine May be administered annually, talk to your doctor for more information
12-15 months	Measles, Mumps, Rubella	Minimum age – 12 months Second dose should be given at 4-6 years
12-15 months	Varicella	Minimum age – 12 months Second dose should be given at 4-6 years (3 months or more after first dose)
12-23 months	Hepatitis A	Minimum age – 12 months Second dose should be given at least 6 months after
2 years+	Meningococcal	Minimum age – 12 months

Recommended screenings*

Age	Screening test	Frequency
Newborn	Newborn screening (PKU, sickle cell, hemoglobinopathies, hypothyroidism)	During newborn period
0-2 months	Head circumference	At each well-child visit
0-2 years	Length and weight	At each well-child visit
2-18 years	Height and weight	At each well-child visit
Under 2 years	Dental	Starting at age 1, then once every 6 months

Download a complete list of recommended Screenings and Immunizations Guidelines (PDF format) for your family.