A Guide to Childhood Immunizations in Erie County
In Erie County, the health and well-being of our children are a top priority. As parents, one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your child’s health is to ensure they are up to date on their immunizations. The Erie County Health Department is your trusted partner in this journey, providing essential vaccinations for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. These life-saving shots are the best way to protect your child from serious, and sometimes deadly, diseases.
Vaccines work by using your child’s natural immune system to build protection against specific germs. When a child receives a vaccine, their body learns to recognize and fight off a disease without them having to get sick first. This process creates what is known as “community immunity,” or “herd immunity,” which protects not only your child but also those in our Erie County community who are too young to be vaccinated or who have compromised immune systems.
Prioritizing Child Health in Erie County
The Erie County Health Department follows the vaccination schedules recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health. This schedule is carefully designed to provide protection at the most critical times in a child’s development. Whether it’s their first few months of life or before they head to school, there’s a vaccine that’s right for them. We are also a proud provider of the “Vaccines for Children” (VFC) program, which ensures that all children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay, have access to these vital immunizations.
The timing and spacing of immunizations are just as important as the vaccines themselves. Following the recommended schedule ensures your child receives the right protection at the right age, when they are most vulnerable. For example, some vaccines are given in a series to build and maintain strong immunity over time. If your child has fallen behind on their schedule, don’t worry! Our public health nurses can work with you to create a personalized catch-up schedule. This ensures your child can still get back on track and receive all the necessary protection.
When to Talk with Your Doctor or the Erie County Health Department About Childhood Immunizations:
- Birth to 6 months: Key vaccinations like Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), and Polio are typically administered during this period.
- 2 months to 6 months: A primary series of either Hiberix, ActHIB, Pentacel or Vaxelis (3 doses) or PedvacHIB (2 doses).
- 12 months to 15 months: A booster dose of ActHIB, Hiberix, Pentacel or PedvacHIB is recommended. Vaxelis is only indicated for use in infants 2, 4, and 6 months and is not recommended for boosters.
- 12 months to 18 months: The first doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), and Hepatitis A are often given during this time.
- Ages 4 to 6 years: Before your child starts kindergarten, they will need booster doses for DTaP, Polio, MMR, and Varicella to ensure continued protection.
- Ages 11 to 12 years: The Tdap booster, Meningococcal vaccine, and HPV vaccine are highly recommended for pre-teens to protect them through their adolescent years.
- Annually: All children 6 months and older should receive an annual flu shot.
Schedule Your Child’s Immunization Appointment in Erie County
Protect your family and our Erie County community by keeping up with your child’s vaccination schedule. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for your child’s immunizations, please call the Erie County Health Department at 567-867-5174. We look forward to helping you keep your family healthy and safe.
