Highlight - New 2013 Vaccination Schedule: Simplified with Fewer Shots for Everyone

The main changes to the new vaccination schedule are as follows:

For infants:

• Simplified primary vaccination (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis), with or without hepatitis B vaccination: 2 injections at two and four months of age and an early booster at 11 months (previously, three injections and a booster at 16–18 months);

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): 1st dose at 12 months and 2nd dose between 16–18 months (no longer starting at 9 months of age for children entering group settings).

For children and adolescents:

• Pertussis: an additional booster at age 6 combined with diphtheria, tetanus, and polio;

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections: recommended for girls between 11 and 14 years of age (previously, starting at age 14);

• The booster vaccination between ages 16 and 18 against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio has been discontinued.

For adults: booster shots that are easier to remember, at fixed ages: at age 25, 45, 65, and then every 10 years. They will be spaced further apart (20 years instead of 10 years).