Over the years, vaccinations have helped to drastically reduce childhood infections. I will briefly explain the vaccination times and the route of each one. Immunization schedules change and are updated periodically as new vaccines become available or research indicates better ways to administer vaccines. “The recommended immunization schedule is designed to protect infants and children early in life, when they are most vulnerable and before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.” Here are the childhood and adolescent vaccination calendars starting with the 2013 calendar. At birth all children are given a HepB vaccine, this vaccine protects against hepatitis B. This would protect against the spread of blood or body fluids. This vaccine is administered intramuscularly. The hepatitis B vaccine is also given at 6 months, 12 months, 15 months and again at 18 months of age. Then we have the rotavirus vaccine which is given to protect against rotavirus gastroenteritis, which is spread through the mouth. Rotavirus is administered orally; three doses at age 6-12 weeks; subsequent doses at intervals of 4-10 weeks. The next vaccine administered is against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough known as DTaP and whooping cough. It spreads through the air or by direct contact. Both diphtheria and tetanus are administered intramuscularly at the age of 11-12 years only if at least five years have passed since the last dose. It is given every ten years as a booster. Haemophilus influenzae serotype B meningitis, also known as the Hib vaccine, is given at age 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months. This vaccine is given to protect against hemophilia type B through the air or direct contact. This vaccine is administered intramuscularly but sometimes in a different way… healthcare providers should recommend the vaccines to their patients for several reasons. The first reason I would say is to help decrease the number of patients who believe they have the flu and don't. Another reason is that a small illness like the flu requires a lot of doctor time. And most patients go straight to the emergency room for things like that and more life-threatening situations need to be handled. Get the vaccine and at least protect yourself and reduce your chances of getting the flu. Reference PageKinns, 2011. An Applied Learning Approach. Elsevier-Saunders, publisher. Information received January 11, 2014. Page 876CDC.gov. Vaccine and flu season. Information received January 11, 2014 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2013-2014.htm http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/ hcw. html