Here are the screening tests and immunizations for infants from birth to age 2. Although you and your health care provider may decide that a different schedule is best for your baby, this plan can guide your discussion.
Screening
Who needs it
How often
APGAR (a test to determine how well an infant tolerated the birthing process and is adapting to his or her new environment)
All newborns
One minute and five minutes after birth
Congenital hypothyroidism
Before leaving hospital or 2 to 4 days of age
Hearing loss
Before leaving hospital or at 1 month
Elevated lead levels
All year-old infants* and children age 2 who are at average or increased risk
Yearly
Iron-deficiency anemia
All infants between 6 and 12 months* and children ages 1 to 5 years who are at average or increased risk
Newborn screenings (some states require 29 or more tests for infections and disorders)
Before leaving hospital
Phenylketonuria
Prevention of dental caries
Children ages 6 months to 5 years whose primary water source is deficient in fluoride
At routine exams; first dental visit recommended at 1 year
Sickle cell disease
Newborns
Birth to 2 months
Visual impairments
Children younger than 5 years
At well-child/routine exams
Immunization
Hepatitis B vaccine (monovalent)
All infants
At birth, between 1 and 2 months, and a final dose at 6 to 18 months
Diphtheria
At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and a booster at 4 to 6 years
Tetanus toxoids
Acellular pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate
At 2 months and 4 months; additional doses may be required, based on which vaccine your doctor uses
Inactivated poliovirus
At 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months (and a booster at 4 to 6 years)
Pneumococcal (conjugate)
At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and at 12 to 15 months
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
First dose between 12 and 15 months (and the second dose at 4 to 6 years, or before starting kindergarten)
Chickenpox (varicella)
Those infants who have not contracted chickenpox
Between 12 and 15 months (and the second dose at 4 to 6 years)
Flu (seasonal); trivalent inactivated influenza
At 6 months, and then annually when the flu vaccine becomes available in the community; the first year your child gets this vaccine two doses are required up until 8 years of age
Hepatitis A
At ages 12 to 23 months, with a second dose at least six months after the first dose
Rotavirus
At 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months (must be started before 14 weeks, 6 days of age)
*Screening guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics
All other screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Immunization schedule from the CDC