Immunisation schedule of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics: 2014 recommendations

David Moreno Pérez^a, FJ Álvarez García^b, J Arístegui Fernández^c, M.ª José Cilleruelo Ortega^d, JM Corretger Rauet, Nuria García Sánchez^f, Ángel Hernández Merino^g, Teresa Hernández-Sampelayo Matos^h, M Merino Moina, L Ortigosa del Castilloⁱ, J Ruiz-Contreras, Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría

^aInfectología Pediátrica e Inmunodeficiencias. Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Pediatría. Hospital Materno-Infantil. Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga. Grupo de Investigación IBIMA. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Málaga. Málaga. España.
^bPediatra. CS de Llanera. Departamento de Medicina. Universidad de Oviedo. Asturias. España.
^cUnidad de Infectología Pediátrica. Hospital Universitario de Basurto. Departamento de Pediatría. Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU). Bilbao. España.
^dServicio de Pediatría. Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Madrid. España.

^fPediatra. CS Delicias Sur. Zaragoza. España.
^gPediatra de Atención Primaria. Madrid. Vocal del Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la AEP. España.
^hServicio de Pediatría. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Madrid. España.
ⁱServicio de Pediatría. Hospital Universitario Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de La Laguna. Tenerife. España.

Correspondence: D Moreno. E-mail: dmp.malaga@gmail.com

Reference of this article: Moreno Pérez D, Álvarez García FJ, Arístegui Fernández J, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ, Corretger Rauet JM, García Sánchez N, et al. Immunisation schedule of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics: 2014 recommendations. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2014;16:13-20.

Published in Internet: 10-02-2014 - Visits: 50123

(1) Hepatitis B vaccine (HB). 3 doses following one of 3 equivalent schedules: 0, 1, 6 months, or 0, 2, 6 months, or 2, 4, 6 months, all suitable for children of seronegative mothers (HBsAg-), with the first 2 also indicated for hepatitis B virus carrier mothers (HBsAg+). The latter group of newborns (HBsAg+ mothers) will be given the first dose of the vaccine and 0.5 ml of hepatitis B immune globulin within the first 12 hours of life, the 2^nd dose of the vaccine at 1 or 2 months of age, and the 3^rd dose 6 months after birth. If the serostatus of the mother were unknown, the 1^st dose of the vaccine should be administered within the first 12 hours of life and the mother’s serostatus assessed, and should the mother test positive, 0.5 ml of hepatitis B immune globulin should be administered in the first week of life (preferably within 72 hours after birth). The administration of 4 doses of the HB vaccine is acceptable in children vaccinated with the 1^st dose of the monovalent preparation at birth, followed by 3 doses of the hexavalent vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Unvaccinated older children and adolescents of any age will be given 3 doses on a 0, 1, 6 months schedule.

(2) Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP/Tdap). 6 doses: primary vaccination with 3 doses of the DTaP vaccine; booster at 15-18 months of age (4^th dose) with the DTaP vaccine; at 4-6 years (5^th dose) with the DTaP or with the reduced-antigen content tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Tdap) and at 11-12 years (6^th dose) with the Tdap.

(3) Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib). 4 doses: primary vaccination at 2, 4, 6 months and booster at 15-18 months (4^th dose).

(4) Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). 4 doses: primary vaccination with 3 doses, and a booster at 15-18 months (4^th dose).

(5) Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC). 3 or 4 doses of the monovalent conjugate vaccine (with a 1 or 2+1+1 scheme), on the following schedule: 1 or 2 doses between 2 and 11 months of age, another dose at 12 months of age, and a final dose at 12 years. The vaccination course for infants 2 to 4 months of age, of 1 or 2 doses, will depend on which vaccine preparation is used.

(6) Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). 4 doses: the first 3 at 2, 4, 6 months of age with a booster some time between 12 and 15 months of age (4^th dose).

(7) Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). 2 doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. The first dose at 12 months of age, and the second at 2-3 years, preferably at 2.

(8) Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Only for girls.2 or3 doses between 11 and 12 years of age. The tetravalent should be given on a 0, 2, 6 month schedule and the bivalent vaccine as a 2-dose series (at 0 and 6 months) for girls between 9 and 14 years of age, and a 3-dose series (at 0, 1, 6 months) for patients 15 years of age or older.

(9) Rotavirus vaccine (RV). 3 doses of the rotavirus vaccine: at 2, 4, 6 months or 2, 3, 4 months. The course must be started between 6 and 12 weeks after birth and must be completed by 32 weeks of age.

(10) Varicella vaccine (Var). 2 doses: the 1^st at 12 months (administration between 12 and 15 months is acceptable) and the 2^nd at 2-3 years of age, preferably at 2 years. Susceptible patients outside the aforementioned age range should be immunised with 2 doses at least one month apart.

(11) Seasonal flu (Influenza). At-risk patients and their household members (older than six months of age) should be immunised yearly. 1 dose in individuals over 9 years of age; individuals between 6 months and 9 years of age will be given 2 doses 1 month apart the first time they get vaccinated, and if the risk factor persists, they will be immunised yearly with a single dose.

(12) Hepatitis A vaccine (HA). 2 doses, at a 6-12 month interval, starting at 12 months of age. Vaccination of patients for whom it is indicated due to international travel to countries with a high to moderate endemicity, or who belong to high-risk groups.

1. In case of a documented immunodeficiency with high risk for IPD, follow the recommendation for immunocompromised children.
2. High-risk patients: follow the specific recommendations for immunisation against pneumococcal disease (see the text).

These table shows the number of necessary doses, for each age, for children and adolescents with incomplete immunisation, or who are starting immunisations late. A vaccination course needs not be restarted if doses have been previously administered, but should be completed regardless of whether the maximum interval has elapsed since the last dose. Adverse reactions must be notified to the healthcare authorities.

(1) Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). The 5^th dose of DTaP or Tdap is not needed if the 4^th dose of DTaP was give at 4 years of age or later. The DTaP vaccine can be used until age 6 years. The Tdap, with reduced diphtheria and pertussis antigen content, is approved for use in patients 4 years of age and older.

(2) Reduced-antigen content tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td). Children 7 years of age or older should be given the reduced-antigen content tetanus and diphtheria vaccine. Once primary vaccination is completed, it is recommended that the Tdap vaccine is used for booster doses.

(3) Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib). The number of doses depends on the age at start of immunisation: 4 for children younger than 6 months, 3 for children between 7-11 months; 2 for children between 12-14 months; and one 1 for children 15 months to 5 years.

(4) Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). A 4^th dose is only required if the 3^rd dose was administered before 4 years of age.

(5) Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC). Depends on age: 1 or 2 doses, depending on the vaccine preparation, in children younger than 12 months, with 1 booster in the 2^nd year of life, and another booster during adolescence at 12 years of age; 1 dose in children vaccinated at age over 12 months, with a one-time booster in adolescence.

(6) Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). Number of doses according to the age at start of immunisation: 4 in children who were younger than 6 months, 3 in children who were 7-11 months; 2 for children 12-23 months; for children ages 24 months to 5 years: 1 dose of Prevenar 13^® (1 or 2 in high-risk groups, refer to text) and 2 of Synflorix^®; between 6 and 17 years, 1 dose of Prevenar 13^® in high-risk groups (see text). Synflorix^® is approved for use up to 5 years of age, and Prevenar 13^® is approved through adulthood, with no age limits.

(7) Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). 2^nd dose can be given starting at 2-3 years of age.

(8) Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Only for girls. 2 or 3 doses between 11 and 12 years of age. The Consejo Interterritorial recommends its administration at 14 years of age.

(9) Rotavirus vaccine (RV). 3 doses of the rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq^Ò). The course can start between 6 and 12 weeks of age and must be completed before 32 weeks of age.

(10) Varicella vaccine (Var). 2^nd dose starting at 2-3 years of age.

(11) Seasonal flu (Influenza). 1 annual dose of the inactivated influenza vaccine starting at 6 months of age. The children younger than 9 years will be given 2 doses the first time they are vaccinated, at least one month apart.

(12) Hepatitis A vaccine (HA). 2 doses, separated by at least 6-12 months, starting at 12 months of age.

This table shows the minimum intervals between doses for children with incomplete immunisation, or who are starting immunisations late. A vaccination course needs not be restarted if doses have been previously administered, but should be completed regardless of whether the maximum interval has elapsed since the last dose. Adverse reactions must be notified to the healthcare authorities.

(1) Hepatitis B vaccine (HB). The 3^rd dose will be administered at least 4 months after the 1^st one, and never before 6 months of age. If 1 dose of the monovalent was been administered after birth, it is also acceptable to administer 3 additional doses with the hexavalent preparation; the last dose should always be given at 6 months of age or later.

(2) Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP/Tdap). The minimum interval between the 3^rd and 4^th doses of the DTaP is 6 months, but if the 4^th dose is given after 4 months, the vaccination will be considered valid. The 5^th dose of the DTaP or Tdap is not needed if the 4^th dose of the DTaP was administered at 4 years of age or later.

(3) Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib). Every dose given before 12 months of age will be administered at least 4 weeks apart. If the 1^st dose of the series is given between 12 and 14 months of age, the 2 doses should be 8 weeks apart. If the 1^st dose is given at 15 months of age or later, only one dose is needed. The 4^th dose should only be administered if 3 doses have been given in the first 12 months of life.

(4) Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). A 4^th dose needs only be given if the 3^rd dose was administered before 4 years of age, in which case these doses should be 6 months apart.

(5) Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC). 1 or 2 doses should be given in the first year of life (at 2 and 4 months or at 4 months) depending on the vaccine preparation. From at 12 months of age, 1 dose should be given in the second year of life, and 1 dose during adolescence at 12 years of age.

(6) Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). All doses administered before 12 months of age must be given at least 4 weeks apart. If the vaccine is administered between 12 and 24 months, the 2 doses will be 8 weeks apart. If the 1^st dose is given at an age greater than 24 months, only 1 dose of Prevenar 13^® is needed, or 2 of Synflorix ^® given 8 weeks apart, except in high-risk groups, which require 2 doses of either preparation. Children older than 5 years do not require immunisation, except for those in high-risk groups, who must be given 1 dose of Prevenar 13^®. The 4^th dose will only be administered if 3 doses were given in the first year. The 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine is indicated in children older than 2 years with conditions that increase the risk of pneumococcal infection; the interval that must elapse since the last dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is of 8 weeks. Synflorix^® is approved for use until 5 years of age, and Prevenar 13^® through adulthood, with no age limits.

(7) Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR). Administer the 2^nd dose at 2-3 years of age, preferably at 2. From the age of 12 months, a child is considered correctly immunised if 2 doses are given at least 4 weeks apart.

(8) Rotavirus vaccine (RV). 3 doses of the pentavalent preparation (RotaTeq^®), the last one to be given prior to 32 weeks of age.

(9) Varicella vaccine (Var). Administer the 2^nd dose at 2-3 years, preferably at 2 years along with the MMR vaccine (either the same day, or at least 1 month apart). The minimum interval between the 2 doses of the varicella vaccine is of 4 weeks, although in children younger than 13 years an interval of 6 to 12 weeks is recommended.

(10) Seasonal flu (Influenza). Only children younger than 9 years who are being vaccinated for the first time will be given 2 doses, at least one month apart.

This table shows the minimum intervals between doses for children and adolescents with incomplete immunisation or who are starting immunisations late. A vaccination course needs not be restarted if doses have been previously administered, but should be completed regardless of whether the maximum interval has elapsed since the last dose. Adverse reactions must be notified to the healthcare authorities.

(1) Hepatitis B vaccine (HB). In unvaccinated children over 7 years of age, 3 doses at 0, 1, 6 months. The 3^rd dose will be administered at least 4 months after the 1^st dose.

(2) Reduced-antigen content tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td). Starting from 7 years of age, the reduced-antigen content tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td) should be used. Once primary vaccination is completed, we recommend using the reduced-antigen content tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for booster doses. Those vaccinated with 1 dose of DTP before 12 months of age will be given, when resuming immunisation past 7 years of age, 2 additional doses of Td to complete primary vaccination and 1 booster dose of Tdap. Those vaccinated with 1 dose of DTP or Td after 12 months of age, when resuming immunisation after 7 years of age, will complete primary vaccination with 2 doses of Td six months apart. For adults to be considered completely immunised against tetanus, they must have received at least 5 doses of vaccine with tetanus toxoid in their lifetime, so following primary vaccination with 3 doses, two booster doses must be administered, preferably 10 years apart, although the minimum interval between the two doses is of 1 year, and one of them should be a dose of Tdap.

(3) Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). In unvaccinated patients older than 7 years, 3 doses. If the 3^rd dose was given before 4 years of age, administration of a 4^th dose is recommended at least 6 months after the 3^rd one.

(4) Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC). In unvaccinated patients older than 7 years and younger than 10, administer 1 dose and another one after 10 years of age, with a minimum interval of 6 months between both doses. If the patient is older than 10 years, only 1 dose is necessary.

(5) Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Prevenar 13^® is approved through adulthood, with no age limits. All unvaccinated individuals in high-risk groups will be given 1 dose of this vaccine and 1 dose of the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine 8 weeks later. If they had already received one dose of the 23-valent vaccine, they can be given 1 dose of Prevenar 13^® at least 8 weeks apart from the 23-valent vaccine dose. High-risk groups will be given a 2^nd (and last) dose of the 23-valent vaccine 5 years after the 1^st dose.

(6) Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR). In unvaccinated children older than 7 years, 2 doses. If the child was previously immunised with 1 dose of monovalent measles vaccine, administer 2 doses of MMR. If the child was previously immunised with 1 dose of MMR, administered a 2^nd dose.

(7) Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Only for girls.The minimum age for administering the 1^st dose is 9 years. Whenever possible, it is best to follow the immunisation schedule specified for the corresponding commercial preparation: Gardasil^® 0, 2, 6 months; Cervarix^® a 2-dose series (at 0 and 6 months) in girls 9 to 14 years, and a 3-dose series (at 0, 1, 6 months) for patients 15 years or older. Gardasil^® recommends that the 2^nd dose be administered at least 1 month after 1^st dose, and the 3^rd dose at least 3 months after the 2^nd dose; the 3^rd dose should be given at least 6 months after the first one, but immunisation will be considered correct if it has been at least 4 months since the 1^st dose. All 3 doses must be administered in the span of 1 year. Cervarix^® recommends that the 2^nd dose be administered between 1 and 2.5 months after the 1^st dose, and the 3^rd dose between 5 and 12 months after the 1^st dose.

(8) Varicella vaccine (Var). 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart in previously unvaccinated patients. In children younger than 13 years an interval of 6-12 weeks is recommended between the two doses, and in those older than 13, an interval of 4 to 8 weeks.

(9) Seasonal flu (Influenza). Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart, will be given only to children younger than nine years the first season they are vaccinated against influenza.