If given earlier, it may not be as effective. Catch-up vaccinations can be given if the child did not get vaccinations at the recommended times. But delays in starting immunizations result in a delay in the child's protection against these dangerous diseases. The full series of 12 to 16 required immunizations can be given in five visits to your health care provider. Vaccines are listed under the routinely recommended ages.
BARS indicate range of acceptable ages for vaccination.
Parents should consult with a health care provider about vaccination schedules. They should receive a second dose of vaccine between 1 and 4 months of age and a third at 6 to 18 months of age. Children and adolescents who were not vaccinated as infants should complete the three-dose series by 11 to 12 years of age. For these young people, the initial vaccination should be followed at least one month later by the second shot. The final shot in the series should be given at least four months after the first vaccination and at least two months after the second.