### Vaccinations for Children: What and When **Hepatitis B** - **When:** Three doses: at birth, 1 month, and 6 months. - **Why:** Protects against liver infection and cancer. **Rotavirus** - **When:** Two or three doses: at 2, 4, and possibly 6 months. - **Why:** Prevents severe diarrhea and vomiting. **Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)** - **When:** Five doses: at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. - **Why:** Protects against respiratory diseases and muscle spasms. **Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)** - **When:** Two to four doses: at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months. - **Why:** Prevents meningitis and pneumonia. **Pneumococcal Disease (PCV13)** - **When:** Four doses: at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months. - **Why:** Protects against blood infections and meningitis. **Polio** - **When:** Four doses: at 2, 4, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. - **Why:** Prevents paralysis and respiratory failure. **MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella)** - **When:** Two doses: at 12-15 months and 4-6 years. - **Why:** Protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. **Hepatitis A** - **When:** Two doses: between 1-2 years, six months apart. - **Why:** Prevents liver disease. **Flu** - **When:** Annually, starting at 6 months. - **Why:** Protects against seasonal influenza. ### Are Vaccinations Safe? Vaccines are rigorously tested and are safer than ever. Side effects are generally mild and infrequent. There is no proven link between vaccines and autism. The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks. ### Possible Side Effects - **Hepatitis B:** Soreness, fever. - **Rotavirus:** Irritability, mild diarrhea, vomiting. - **DTaP:** Fever, fussiness, vomiting, fatigue. - **Hib:** Soreness, fever. - **PCV13:** Drowsiness, soreness, fever, fussiness. - **Polio:** Soreness. - **MMRV:** Fever, mild rash, swollen glands. - **Hepatitis A:** Soreness, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue. - **Flu:** Low fever, muscle aches.