The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

Immunizations

Parents who get their children’s immunization shots on time can protect their little ones against ten serious diseases.  Most children with disabilities are immunized on the same schedule, however, parents should always discuss immunization concerns with their child’s doctor.  Your child needs the following shots at these ages:

• Hepatitis B:  three vaccinations at 0 to 2 months, 1 to 4 months, and 6 to 18 months;
• Diphtheria, tetanus/acellular pertussis or DTP at 2, 4, 6 and 12 to 15 months;
• HIB four vaccination at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months;
• Polio.  There are three options.  The first is two shots of inactivated polio vaccine at 2 and 4 months, followed by a dose of oral polio vaccine at 12 to 18 months.  The second option is 3 shots of inactivated polio vaccine at 2 and 4 months and 12 to 18 months.  The third option is 3 doses of oral polio vaccine at 2 and 4 months and 12 to 18 months;
• Measles, mumps rubella or MMR.  One vaccination at 12 to 15 months; and
• Chicken pox.  One vaccination at 12 to 18 months.

The diseases prevented by these vaccinations are diphtheria, tetanus or lockjaw, pertussis or whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella or German measles, HIB disease, Hepatitis B, and Chicken pox.  These diseases can be easily spread and are very serious and sometimes deadly, especially for infants.

It is up to parents to make sure of their children get all of their shots by age 2.  Your child will not be allowed to enter school until he or she has had all of the required immunizations.

Call your doctor, your local health department, or 888-767-4687.

Phone code: 1509