• Scheduling Vaccines

When a 3-month-old infant presents having had no prior immunizations, would you start the accelerated schedule?

The accelerated schedule should be used when the child is more than a month behind schedule, until you get them caught up. An accelerated schedule is acceptable as long as minimum ages and minimum intervals are observed for each dose. Once you have the child back on schedule, use the recommended ages and intervals on the childhood schedule. In this case you can give the child the first set of recommended vaccines at age 3 months and then bring him back at age 4 months and give the second set of vaccinations. At this point the child will be caught up and can return to the usual schedule. Be sure to educate the parents and talk to them about the importance of bringing the child back on time.

Last reviewed: June 6, 2023

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