The 13 vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children in the United States are DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), Polio, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal conjugate, Rotavirus, Influenza, Human papillomavirus (HPV), and Zoster (shingles).
DTaP is a combination vaccine that protects against three bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Polio is a vaccine that protects against poliomyelitis, a virus that can cause paralysis and even death. MMR is a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Varicella is a vaccine that protects against chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious complications.
The Hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a virus that can cause liver disease. The Hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a virus that can cause liver damage and cancer. The Meningococcal vaccine protects against meningitis, a bacterial infection that can cause severe brain and spinal cord damage. The Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious health complications. The Rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus, a virus that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.
The Influenza vaccine protects against the flu, a virus that can cause high fever and other serious health conditions. The Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer and other types of cancer. The Zoster (shingles) vaccine protects against shingles, a virus that can cause a painful rash and other serious complications.
All of these vaccines are recommended to help protect children against serious illnesses and complications. Some of these vaccines are required for school, and most health insurance plans cover them. It is