01/07/2026
DO NOT believe everything you read or the memes you see!
Using combination vaccines, children receive approximately 11-13 injections through age 18 years according to the current U.S. immunization schedule, with the exact number depending on which specific combination products are used and whether annual influenza vaccines are administered.
The hexavalent combination vaccine DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB can substantially reduce injections in infancy. This single product covers six antigens (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B ) and is given as a 3-dose series at 2, 4, and 6 months.[1] When combined with other vaccines administered during the first year (rotavirus given orally, pneumococcal conjugate, and potentially influenza), this reduces the number of injections significantly compared to separate vaccines.
Additional combination vaccines further minimize injections:
- DTaP-IPV combination for the 4-6 year boosters (1 injection instead of 2)[2]
- MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) at 12-15 months and 4-6 years (1 injection instead of 2 at each visit)[3]
- Pentavalent combinations like DTaP-IPV/Hib (Pentacel) or DTaP-HepB-IPV (Pediarix) as alternatives to the hexavalent product[1]
The minimum injection count would include: 3 doses of hexavalent vaccine, 4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate, 2 doses of MMRV, 2 doses of hepatitis A, 1 DTaP-IPV booster, 1 Tdap, 2 doses of HPV, and 2 doses of meningococcal ACWY vaccine, totaling approximately 17 injections (excluding annual influenza vaccines).[4][5][6]
References
1. Licensure of a Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate, and Hepatitis B Vaccine, and Guidance for Use in Infants. Oliver SE, Moore KL. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2020;69(5):136-139. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6905a5.
2. Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum updated July 2, 2025). Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
3. Use of Combination Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Mona Marin MD, Karen R. Broder MD, Jonathan L. Temte MD PhD, Dixie E. Snider MD, Jane F. Seward MBBS. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (2010).
4. Routine Childhood Vaccines Given in the First 11 Months of Life. Jacobson RM. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2020;95(2):395-405. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.06.007.
5. Routine Childhood Vaccines Given From 1 Through 18 Years of Age. Jacobson RM. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2020;95(8):1780-1795. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.06.004.
6. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger - United States, 2025. Issa AN, Wodi AP, Moser CA, Cineas S. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2025;74(2):26-29. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7402a2.
📣 SAME OLD DISCLAIMER: I will not tolerate any antivax comments or any misinformation regarding vaccines on my page and anyone commenting with such will be deleted and banned without warning (including fake questions/comments meant to disguise the true agenda - I see through this). I’m happy to post links from reputable sources as additional information but I WILL NOT engage with science deniers, especially on this topic.
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