Recommended Vaccines & Medications

1st dose of 3

Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. There is no cure for hepatitis B. Mothers can unknowingly pass the hepatitis B virus to their babies at birth, which is why babies should get their first dose within 24 hours of birth.

1 Dose

RSV is a common cause of severe respiratory illness in infants and young children. Those infected with RSV can have difficulty breathing and eating, and sometimes may need respiratory support or hydration in the hospital. An RSV immunization uses monoclonal antibodies to protect infants and young children from severe RSV disease. This immunization gives your baby's body extra help to fight an RSV infection.

Infants younger than 8 months old during RSV season (typically fall through spring) should get a one-dose RSV immunization to protect them against RSV. This dose should be given shortly before or during the RSV season.

1st dose of 5

A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.

1st dose of 3 or 4

Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).

2nd dose of 3

Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can be a lifelong, chronic infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent it.

1st dose of 4

Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.

1st dose of 4

Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

1st dose of 2 or 3

Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand).

2nd dose of 5

A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.

2nd dose of 3 or 4

Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).

2nd dose of 4

Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.

2nd dose of 4

Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

2nd dose of 2 or 3

Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the Rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand).

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.

3rd dose of 5

A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.

3rd dose of 4

Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).

3rd dose of 3

Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can be a lifelong, chronic infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent it.

3rd dose of 4

Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.

3rd dose of 4

Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

3rd dose of 3

Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the Rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand).

There are usually no vaccinations scheduled between 7 and 11 months of age. However, if your baby has missed an earlier vaccination, now is a good time to "catch up."

Flu vaccine

Babies 6 months and older should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

1st dose of 2

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease known for its itchy, blister-like rash and a fever. Chickenpox is a mild disease for many, but can be serious, even life-threatening, especially in babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

4th dose of 5

A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.

Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

1st Dose of 2

Hepatitis A can be a serious, even fatal liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Children with the virus often don't have symptoms, but they often pass the disease to others, including their unvaccinated parents or caregivers.

3rd dose of 3 between 6 months and 18 months

Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can be a lifelong, chronic infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent it.

3rd dose of 3 or 4th dose of 4

Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).

3rd dose of 4 between 6 months and 18 months

Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.

1st dose of 2

The MMR vaccine helps prevent three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These diseases are contagious and can be serious.

4th dose of 4

Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

Between 2 and 3 years of age, your child should visit the doctor once a year for check-ups.

Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

2nd dose of 2

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease known for its itchy, blister-like rash and a fever. Chickenpox is a mild disease for many, but can be serious, even life-threatening, especially in babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

5th dose of 5

A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.

Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

4th dose of 4

Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.

2nd dose of 2

The MMR vaccine helps prevent three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These diseases are contagious and can be serious.

Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

Now is a good time for your child to catch up on any missed vaccines. Make an appointment for your child to get caught up if they haven't received vaccines to protect against any of the following diseases:

• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Polio
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis)

Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

2 doses

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause several cancers in men and women. HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12 years to help protect against cancers caused by HPV infection. For best protection, most children this age will need two shots of the HPV vaccine, 6-12 months apart.

1st dose of 2

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis or bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. The meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY helps protect against four types of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

1 dose

A Tdap booster shot protects older children from three serious diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). While people of any age in the United States can get all three of these potentially deadly diseases, whooping cough is most common. Preteens and teens who get whooping cough may cough for 10 weeks or more, possibly leading to rib fractures from severe coughing.

Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.

2nd dose of 2

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis or bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. The meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY helps protect against four types of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

2 doses

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. Meningococcal B vaccine, or MenB vaccine, helps protect against one type of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroup B).

Note: CDC does not routinely recommend MenB vaccine for all adolescents. Instead, healthcare providers and parents can discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination.

1 dose

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. Pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, or MenABCWY vaccine, helps protect against five types of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y).

Note: MenABCWY vaccine can be given instead of MenACWY and MenB vaccines when both of those vaccines are being given at the same visit. MenABCWY is not given in addition to those two vaccines.

Adults who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get 2 doses. The doses should be at least 28 days apart.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.

All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults, age 19 through 59 years.

If you were not vaccinated at a younger age (HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years), then you should also get an HPV vaccine.

Adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Students at post-high school educational institutions who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.

All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults, age 19 through 59 years.

Adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Students at post-high school educational institutions who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.

All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions.

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults who never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and are age 50 years or older.

Adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease.

Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. People ages 65 years and older should receive 2 doses of any 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 6 months apart.

All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions.

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults who never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and are age 50 years or older.

Adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease.

Adults aged 60 through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV and all adults aged 75 years or older should get a single dose of RSV vaccine.

Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

Before vaccines were available, parents lived with fear that their children would be among the thousands who were left disabled or dead by common childhood diseases such as polio, measles, or pertussis. Fortunately, today, most children are immunized, and parents can have fewer worries.

Even though the actual number of reported cases has greatly decreased, diseases preventable through immunization have not disappeared. If children remain unimmunized, they are at risk of contracting a deadly disease.

Vaccines are among the safest and most effective of medications.

Each year, about 100 million doses are given, mostly to babies and young children.

Like most medications, vaccines can cause side effects. These side effects are usually mild, short lasting, and can include fever, soreness at the injection site, or a mild rash. In rare occasions, the side effects are serious, and your doctor or healthcare professional can discuss the potential for those side effects with you.

State law requires that children entering childcare or school be immunized. All vaccines are given in a series, and the number of doses required depends on the age of the child and at what age the immunization series started.

School and childcare immunization requirements reflect current medical recommendations and may require vaccines against any or all of the following diseases:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella, Polio
• Rotavirus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)
• Varicella
• Pneumococcal Diseases
• Influenza

The CDC's "Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule" can be found here.

In some instances, childcare or school may accept a waiver as a substitute for required immunizations. Talk to your school nurse, childcare provider, or health care professional for additional information.

It is important for you to keep a record of all immunizations for yourself and your family.​​ A copy of the immunization record should be given to the patient or parents or guardian each time an immunization is received. Each time you or your children visit your health care provider for immunizations, it is important to take your immunization record with you and have it updated. You should provide your primary care provider a copy of your immunization record should you receive immunizations at another facility other than your primary care facility.

In the event that an immunization record would become lost or destroyed, there a few ways to retrieve a replacement:

1. Contact your primary care provider.
2. Contact the facility where the immunizations were given.
3. Accessing the Nebraska State Immunization Information System (NESIIS). You will need to enter your first name, last name, date of birth, and social security number. **Please note that providers are NOT required to report immunization except COVID-19 vaccines into NESIIS.

You can log in to the Nebraska State Immunization Information System (NESIIS) here. If you are having troubles accessing your immunization records in NESIIS, contact the Nebraska Immunization Program or the NESIIS helpdesk.

For more information on the Nebraska State Immunization Information System (NESIIS) visit the NESIIS Resource Page.

There are three parts to a newborn screening: the blood test (or heel stick), the hearing screen, and pulse oximetry.

The Blood Test

During the blood test, which is sometimes called a heel stick, the baby’s heel will be pricked to collect a small sample of blood. Parents are welcome to be a part of this process by holding their baby while the heel stick is performed. Studies show that when mothers or health professionals comfort babies during this process, the babies are less likely to cry. The health professional will put drops of blood onto the filter paper card to create several “dried blood spots.” The newborn screening card is then sent to the state laboratory for analysis.

The Hearing Screen

• Otoacoustic Emissions (UAE) Test: This test is used to determine if certain parts of the baby’s ear respond to sound. During the test, a miniature earphone and microphone are placed in the ear and sounds are played. When a baby has normal hearing, an echo is reflected back into the ear canal, which can be measured by the microphone. If no echo is detected, it can indicate hearing loss.
• Auditory Brain Stem Response (ABR) Test: This test is used to evaluate the auditory brain stem (the part of the nerve that carries sound from the ear to the brain) and the brain’s response to sound. During this test, miniature earphones are placed in the ear and sounds are played. Band-Aid-like electrodes are placed along the baby’s head to detect the brain’s response to the sounds. If the baby’s brain does not respond consistently to the sounds, there may be a hearing problem.

Pulse Oximetry Testing

Pulse oximetry, or pulse ox, is a non-invasive test that measures how much oxygen is in the blood. Infants with heart problems may have low blood oxygen levels, and therefore, the pulse ox test can help identify babies that may have Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD). The test is done using a machine called a pulse oximeter, using a painless sensor placed on the baby’s skin. The pulse ox test only takes a couple of minutes and is performed after the baby is 24 hours old and before he or she leaves the newborn nursery.

For more information about screening procedures, click here.