Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it is also a good time for you to be sure that your child is up-to-date on well checkups and vaccines (shots). Schools or day care facilities may require that your child have a physical exam and certain shots, so check with your school system or day care. Dean Health Plan (DHP) recommends your child have the following shots to protect against certain serious diseases. Make your child’s appointment as early in the summer as possible so that he or she can get the best protection.

DHP recommends that all children have the following vaccines. Talk with your child’s health care practitioner to see if there may be other shots recommended for your child. Please note that vaccines may have been given in a combination shot. Please check with your clinic if you have any questions about which shots your child has received.

• 4 diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) by age 2 years, booster dose between ages 4 and 6 years
• 3 hepatitis B (Hep B) in first year of life; if not done then, start by age 11 years
• 4 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) before age 2 years
• 1 measles, mumps and rubella* (MMR) between ages 12 and 15 months; booster between ages 4 and 6 years
• 4 polio — 3 by age 9 months; booster between ages 4 and 6 years
• 1 varicella* (chickenpox) vaccine, preferably between ages 12 and 15 months or anytime before age 13 years

If your child is age 13 years or older, varicella is a series of two vaccines. If your child has had chickenpox, the vaccine isn’t necessary. However, you may need proof that your child has had chickenpox for your child’s school or day care.

What if my child has missed some shots and is behind schedule? The good news is that your child will not have to start over. Talk with your child’s health care practitioner about how to catch up and give your child the best protection.

Does my teenager need any vaccines? Sometime between ages 13 and 18, your child will probably need a tetanusdiphtheria (Td) booster, unless this was done earlier because of an injury. He or she should have a Td booster every 10 years for the rest of his or her life. If your child hasn’t completed the hepatitis B series or has not had a second MMR** vaccine, these shots should be given at this time. If he or she has never had a chickenpox shot and has not had the chickenpox disease, this could be a good time to catch up on that as well.

Avoid the last-minute rush right before school starts. Check your child’s records and the school’s requirements. Make an appointment if your child needs a physical or any shots.

* If your child has a weakened immune system or a serious disease, talk with your child’s doctor to be sure these shots are right for your child at this time.

** If your child is younger than age 13, it is one shot. If he or she is age 13 or older, it is a series of two shots.

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