IMMUNIZATIONS

Immunizations protect children and adults from serious diseases that can be fatal. The schedule below is the current recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control, an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service.

Don't consider the recommended ages as absolute. For example, ''2 months'' can mean a range of 6 to 10 weeks. Immunizations may not be a good idea at the recommended time if your child is ill or taking immunosuppressants or cortisone. Rely on the judgment of informed professionals.

SCHEDULE OF IMMUNIZATIONS

Age Recommended	Vaccines
2 months	DPT 1 [Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus] OPV 1 (Oral Polio Vaccine)
4 months	DPT 2 OPV 2
6 months	DPT 3
15 months	MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German Measles)
18 months	DPT 4 OPV 3 HIB (Hemophilus Influenza B)
Anytime under age 2	Influenza
4 to 6 years	T 5 OPV 4
14 to 16 years	Td (Adult Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoid combined)
Every 10 years thereafter	Td

Vaccines are also available to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, hepatitis, rabies, typhoid fever and other diseases. These vaccines are given only under special circumstances.

Ask your doctor, health department, or travel agent about vaccinations required or recommended before your family travels in another country. Inquire several months before your expected departure.


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From the Complete Guide to Pediatric Symptoms, Illness & Medications by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. © 1989 The Putnam Berkley Group, Inc.; electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange

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