Start with the experts

Talk to your child’s doctor about recommended vaccination schedules. In general, it is recommended that children with diabetes adhere to the same vaccination schedule as other children; however, if your child has been sick recently or has health issues in addition to diabetes, there may be special considerations around scheduling their vaccinations.

Extra protection for your child

While most of us are familiar with vaccinations against childhood illnesses like polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, some parents are not aware that the CDC recommends annual influenza (flu) vaccines for children beginning at the age of six months. Having diabetes increases the risk of complications from the flu, so this vaccine may have additional importance for children with diabetes.

A series of pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccines are also recommended for children. Because children with diabetes have an increased risk of pneumonia and pneumonia complications, the CDC has set special guidelines for administering their pneumonia vaccines.

Hepatitis B is also an extra concern for people with diabetes, since higher numbers of people with diabetes have been noted to contract this illness. The CDC now recommends that people with diabetes get vaccinated against hepatitis B as soon as possible after their diabetes diagnosis if they were not previously vaccinated. If your child is vaccinated according to recommendations, they will have this vaccine beginning at birth, a second dose between one and three months of age, a third between six and 19 months of age, and will not need re-vaccination later in life.

In addition to these vaccines, parents are advised to adhere to the generally-recommended schedule for other childhood vaccinations, keeping in mind that vaccine schedules change often, making it important to periodically check the CDC’s website, or to talk with your doctor or pharmacist, for updates. Here are the most current guidelines:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP): Given at two, four, and six months; again at 15–19 months; and at 4–6 years old.
• Rotavirus (RV): Given at two, four, and sometimes six months (depending on the vaccine product used), to prevent diarrheal disease.
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): Given at two, four, and sometimes six months (depending on the vaccine product used), and at 12–18 months, to protect against an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord called meningitis, pneumonia, severe throat infection, and other serious infections caused by the bacterium, Haemophilus influenzae B.
• Polio virus (IPV): Given at two and four months, with a third dose at 6–19 months, and a fourth dose at 4–6 years old.
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): Given at 12–18 months and again at 4–6 years old.
• Chicken pox (varicella): Given at 12–18 months and again at 4–6 years old.
• Meningococcal vaccines: These are only recommended in high-risk groups, such as in children with immune system disorders, HIV infection, or who may be traveling to areas with a high likelihood of meningococcal outbreaks.
• Hepatitis A virus (Hep A): Only recommended in children over the age of one year traveling to areas where the risk of hepatitis A (typically through contaminated food or water) is high. The two doses are given 6 to 18 months apart.

The adolescent years

In addition to annual influenza vaccines, there are three vaccines that are recommended for children after they turn 11 years old:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (called Tdap for older kids): The final version of this series of vaccines is given at age 11–13.
• Meningococcal vaccines: Also given at age 11–13.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Recommended for both boys and girls and given in three doses during ages 11–18 to reduce HPV infection risk. HPV infection can cause cervical cancer in women later in life.

Keep track

It’s important to keep a record of your child’s vaccinations, since you may need to provide vaccination dates when registering your child for school or daycare, sports teams, summer camps, and travel. Ask your child’s doctor for an immunization tracking card to help with this task, or get one from your state health department. The CDC also offers a two-page tracker called “Immunization and Developmental Milestones for Your Child from Birth Through Six Years Old” that is available for download at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/milestones-tracker.pdf. Whatever you decide to use, keep it in a safe place, and keep it up to date. Remember to inform your doctor’s office if you have your child vaccinated in another location so that their records are accurate.

(Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years. CDC. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html)