Infants & Young Children

Immunizations for Infants & Young Children (Birth to 6 Years of Age)

Babies and young children need immunizations to protect them from serious diseases and illnesses. Your healthcare provider will work you on a schedule for your child's immunizations. It is important that parents and caregivers keep their children up-to-date with immunizations. Below is information about immunizations children should receive from birth to six years of age. If you have questions, contact your child's healthcare provider or call the Cayuga County Health Department at 315-253-1560.

Hepatitis B (HepB)

Hepatitis B is an immunization first given to babies in the hospital after birth and then as a series from one month up until 18 months of age. Learn more about the Hepatitis B vaccine (PDF).

Rotavirus (RV)

Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. The diarrhea can be severe, and lead to dehydration. Vomiting and fever are also common in babies with rotavirus. It is given to babies at two months, four months and six months of age. Learn more about the rotavirus vaccine.

Diptheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (Dtap)

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Children should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years. Learn more about the DTaP vaccine.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It usually affects children under 5 years old. The germs spread from person to person. Learn more about the Hib vaccine.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox (also called varicella) is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but can be serious in infants and adults. Chickenpox is a virus that can cause an itchy, blistery rash all over the body and is generally accompanies by a fever and drowsiness. It is a highly contagious disease. The chickenpox vaccine called varicella is the best protection against chickenpox. Learn more about the chickenpox vaccine (PDF).

Hepatitis A (HepA)

Hepatitis A is a virus found mostly in bowel movements, and is spread by personal contact or through contaminated food or water. A person who has hepatitis A can easily pass the disease to others within the same household. It can cause liver disease which can result in stomach pain, vomiting, fever and other problems. Learn more about the Hepatitis A vaccine (PDF).

Pneumonia (PCV)

Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, needlessly affects millions of people worldwide each year. Children younger than 5 years old are more likely to become ill from pneumonia. The pneumonia vaccine (PCV13) is routinely given to infants as a series of 4 doses, one dose at each of these ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 through 15 months. Healthy children 24 months through 4 years old who are unvaccinated or have not completed the PCV13 series should get 1 dose.

Polio (IPV)

Polio is a very contagious virus that can cause paralysis. Most infected people show no symptoms. The best way to protect against polio is to get the polio vaccine. Doctors recommend that all children get the vaccine, also called IPV (or inactivated poliovirus). Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months;4 months; 6 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years.

Influenza (Seasonal Flu)

Children younger than 5 years of age – especially those younger than 2 years old – are at high risk of serious flu-related complications. To help prevent getting the flu, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine. Getting a yearly vaccine is especially important for young children because they are at increased risk of getting severe illness from flu. Learn more about the Influenza vaccine.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases. Children should get 2 doses of MMR vaccine:

First Dose: 12 to 15 months of age
Second Dose: 4 to 6 years of age (may be given earlier, if at least 28 days after the 1st dose)

Learn more about the MMR vaccine (PDF).