Division of Public Health Services,

Immunization Program

Immunizations (also known as vaccinations or shots) have saved tens of thousands of lives.  However, the immunization schedule can be very confusing.  Because the body needs to build up protection against certain diseases, children often need more than one dose of vaccine.

What vaccines should children have?

Several major medical groups including the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have developed the "Childhood Immunization Schedule, US":

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Chart  (1 page)
• Updated Catch-up Immunization Schedule (1 page)

The New Hampshire Immunization Program (NHIP) has developed two simplified immunization schedules for New Hampshire healthcare providers.  The purpose of a simplified immunization schedule is to consistently administer vaccines at the earliest possible time so that children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.  Both schedules include all of the routinely recommended vaccines for young children and adolescents.  In addition, minimum age and minimum intervals have been incorporated into this schedule. Two schedules are provided to show the difference when either Pediarix or Pentacel is used.  To reduce immunization errors and confusion, providers should pick one of these vaccines to provide to their patients.  Both of these schedules are temporary.

• Simplified Schedule with Pediarix®  (1 page)
• Simplified Schedule with Pentacel®  (1 page)

Vaccines Required for Child Care and School Attendance

Required for School Year for 2009-2010