their first vaccine right after birth. Future vaccines are given at well child
check-ups with your child’s doctor or at a local health department. Vaccines
are often given at these ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15-
18 months, 4-6 years, and 11-12 years. Vaccines are needed for children to
enroll in school.
Vaccines are also called immunizations. They are often given as injections
or shots with a needle. Some vaccines need to be given in more than one
dose over time. The full number of doses for each vaccine must be
completed for the vaccine to protect your child from the disease.
If vaccines are given on schedule, they help protect against these serious
diseases:
• Meningococcal infection
If your child has not had vaccines to prevent these diseases, check with
your child’s doctor or local health department to get the needed
vaccines. The Vaccines for Children Program provides free vaccines to
children who do not have health insurance. Your child’s doctor will talk to
you about what vaccines your child needs, how many doses and when the
doses are to be given.