Prevention Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers
Here are the screening tests and immunizations for infants from birth to age 2. Although you and your healthcare provider may decide that a different schedule is best for your baby, this plan can guide your discussion.
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Screening
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Who needs it
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How often
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APGAR (a test to determine how well an infant tolerated the birthing process and is adapting to his or her new environment)
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All newborns
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1 minute and 5 minutes after birth
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Congenital hypothyroidism
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All newborns
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2 to 4 days of age
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Hearing loss
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All newborns
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Before leaving hospital or at 1 month of age
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Elevated lead levels
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All year-old infants* and children ages 1 to 5 years who are at average or increased risk
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Yearly
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Iron-deficiency anemia
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All infants between 6 and 12 months* and children ages 1 to 5 years who are at average or increased risk
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Yearly
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Newborn screenings (some states require 29 or more tests for infections and disorders)
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All newborns
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Before leaving hospital
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Phenylketonuria
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All newborns
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Before leaving hospital
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Prevention of dental caries
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Children ages 6 months to 5 years whose primary water source is deficient in fluoride
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At routine exams; first dental visit recommended at one year of age
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Sickle cell disease
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Newborns
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Birth to 2 months of age
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Visual impairments
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Children younger than 5 years
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At well-child/routine exams
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Immunization
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Who needs it
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How often
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Hepatitis B vaccine (monovalent)
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All infants
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At birth, between 1 and 4 months, and a final dose at 6 to 18 months
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Diphtheria
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All infants
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At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and a fourth dose six months after third dose
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Tetanus toxoids
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All infants
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At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and a fourth dose six months after third dose
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Acellular pertussis
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All infants
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At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and a fourth dose six months after third dose
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Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate
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All infants
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At 2 months and 4 months
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Inactivated poliovirus
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All infants
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At 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and a booster at 4 to 6 years)
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Pneumococcal (conjugate)
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All infants
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At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and at 12 to 15 months
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Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
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All infants
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First dose between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose at ages 4 to 6 years, or before starting kindergarten
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Chickenpox (varicella)
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Those infants who have not contracted chickenpox
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Between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose at ages 4 to 6 years
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Flu (seasonal); trivalent inactivated influenza
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All infants
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At 6 months, and then annually during flu season
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Hepatitis A
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All infants
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At ages 12 to 23 months, with a second dose at least six months after the first dose
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Rotavirus
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All infants
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At 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months (must be started before 14 weeks, 6 days of age)
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* Screening guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics
All other screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Online Medical Reviewer: Lazebnik, Rina MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Lyle, Teresa, RN, MSN, CPNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Oken, Emily MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Pierce-Smith, Daphne RN, MSN, CCRC, FNP
Last Review Date: 1/25/2010
© 2000-2011 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.