The rotavirus vaccine is out, inactivated poliovirus vaccine and hepatitis A vaccination are in. The action is in response to studies showing that the vaccine appears to be associated with intussusception in one of 5,000 children who receive it. Doctors should reassure parents that children who received the vaccine before July are not at increased risk for intussusception now. Hepatitis A vaccination has been added to the schedule, but immunization is recommended only in certain areas of the country. The complete schedule appears on the facing page.
Bars indicate the range of recommended ages for each dose.
Any dose not given at the recommended age should be given at a subsequent visit. Ovals indicate vaccines to be given if recommended doses were missed or were given earlier than the recommended minimum age. Combination vaccines may be used whenever any components of the combination are indicated and other components are not contraindicated. Infants born to mothers of unknown status should receive vaccine within 12 hours of birth, and maternal blood should be tested. If the test is positive, the infant should receive HBIG as soon as possible and no later than 1 week of age.