Pediatric Vaccinations
Help keep your child healthy with vaccines. Shots (also called vaccines or immunizations) are safe and very important for your child’s health. Kids need them to go to school in Waterbury. Vaccines protect children from getting sick. They are given from birth through age 18. The Waterbury Health Department can help you know which ones your child needs and make sure they stay up to date.
Why Vaccines Are Good for Kids
Vaccines don’t just stop one sickness – they protect your child for a long time. One shot can fight off many diseases. This helps your child stay healthy, go to school, and enjoy life without missing out. Some illnesses still spread in our communities, and more viruses come around each year, so it’s important to get vaccines now.
Shots Needed for Kids in Waterbury Schools
The State of Connecticut and Waterbury Public Schools say kids must have certain vaccines to go to school and stay there.
Here’s a list of the shots your child needs, based on their age:
Preschool Students: Immunization Requirements
|
Hep B |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 24 weeks of age |
|
DTaP |
4 doses by 18 months of age |
|
Polio |
3 doses by 18 months of age |
|
MMR |
1 dose on or after first birthday |
|
Varicella |
1 dose on of after first birthday, or verification of disease |
|
Hepatitis A |
2 doses given six calendar months apart, with first dose on or after first birthday |
|
Hib |
1 dose on or after first birthday1 |
|
Pneumococcal |
1 dose on or after first birthday1 |
|
Influenza (Flu) |
1 dose administered each year between August 1st-December 31st, with 2 doses separated by at least 28 days required for those receiving flu for the first time1 |
Kindergarten Students: Immunization Requirements
|
Hep B |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 24 weeks of age |
|
DTaP |
4 doses, with the last one on or after 4th birthday |
|
Polio |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 4th birthday |
|
MMR |
1 dose, separated by at least 28 days, 1st dose on or after 1st birthday |
|
Varicella |
2 doses separated by at least 3 months,1st dose on or after 1st birthday or verification of disease,2,3 |
|
Hepatitis A |
2 doses given six calendar months apart, with first dose on or after first birthday |
|
Hib |
1 dose on or after first birthday1 |
|
Pneumococcal |
1 dose on or after first birthday1 |
Students in Grades 1-6: Immunization Requirements
|
Hep B |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 24 weeks of age |
|
DTaP/Td |
4 doses, with the last one on or after 4th birthday; students who start the series at 7 or older only need 3 doses.4 |
|
Polio |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 4th birthday |
|
MMR |
2 doses, separated by at least 28 days, 1st dose on or after 1st birthday |
|
Varicella |
2 doses separated by at least 3 months, 1st dose on or after 1st birthday or verification of disease,2,3 |
|
Hepatitis A |
2 doses given six calendar months apart, with first dose on or after first birthday5 |
Students in Grades 7-12: Immunization Requirements
|
Hep B |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 24 weeks of age |
|
DTaP/Td |
1 dose, for students who have completed the DTaP/Td requirements in Grade 1-6 section. Students who start the series at 7 or older only need 3 doses of tetanus-diphtheria containing vaccine, one of which must be Tdap |
|
Polio |
3 doses, with the last one on or after 4th birthday |
|
MMR |
2 doses, separated by at least 28 days, 1st dose on or after 1st birthday |
|
Varicella |
2 doses separated by at least 3 months, 1st dose on or after 1st birthday or verification of disease,2,3 |
|
Hepatitis A |
2 doses given six calendar months apart, with first dose on or after first birthday5 |
| Meningococcal | 1 dose; students should receive conjugate vaccine |
Footnotes:
1. Not required for students age 5 and older.
2. A minimum interval of 28 days can be applied if the vaccine has already been administered
3. Verification of varicella disease: must be confirmed in writing by a MD, PA, or APRN
4. DTaP is not administered to children age 7 or older; Tdap may be administered to children 7 and older
unless contraindicated
5. Hepatitis A requirement indicated for students born 1/1/07 or later
Where Kids Can Get Vaccines in Waterbury
Kids in Waterbury can get their shots at many places. These include:
- Their regular doctor’s office (primary care provider)
- Some local pharmacies
- School-Based Health Centers
Some kids can even get free shots through a program called the Vaccines for Children Program (VCP).
Waterbury Resource Directory
Find places in Waterbury where your child can get their shots.
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