Hi I am new to this board and would like to know if anyone can tell me what is the reason for children between birth and 5yrs to receive 5 DTP shots, 4 IPV's,4 HIB's and 3HEP B's? (I am getting these numbers from my immunization schedule) I might be able to understand one booster after the intial vaccination was given but why do they need shot after shot after shot?

Thanks http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
LE

I am not an expert but my daughter had to have this done as well. I believe it's because certain shots have to be built up that one shot isn't enough to build up enough immunity. I could be wrong, but that is what I think

Also, I know that one of those tests has prick test involved where they check to see if a anything develops on the skin...I want to say the DTP, but I can't remember clearly back to when my daughter was really small. They did that 2 times I belive...

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Smiles, Trish

I worked for a pediatrician for 4 yrs. The "prick test" is a TB tine test which is not an immunization, but a test to see if the person has been exposed to tuberculosis. The immunizations given are DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis/ and Tetanus) sometimes given with the HIb vaccine (Hemophilis B influenza) vaccine, sometimes they are separate. IPV is injectable polio vaccine (they no longer give oral polio in most areas) Hep B is Hepatitis B vaccine. And they also give the MMR(measles mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Some places also require Varicella vaccines(chicken pox) All vaccines have a certain time frame between shots, and a certain amount of doses to build up immunity. The American Academy of Pediatrics makes the guidelines that the doctors follow in giving the vaccines. Alot of the vaccines are combined (DPT/Hib, Hib/Hep) After age 5 Tetanus is recommended every 10 years)

Beth