Technically, the first official immunization schedule that was approved by the ACIP, AAP, and AAFP – a harmonized immunization schedule, just like we have today – was published in 1995.
Past Immunization Schedules
Of course, there were immunization schedules before that, including these immunization schedules that were published by the AAP in 1983, 1989, and 1994:
The Hib vaccine was added in 1985.
Next came the hepatitis B vaccine and expanded age ranges for the Hib vaccine.
What’s still missing?
Vaccines and protection against rotavirus, hepatitis A, chicken pox, flu, pneumococcal bacteria, meningococcal bacteria, and HPV.
Even Older Immunization Schedules
While the anti-vaccine movement often claims that kids now get too many vaccines (the too many too soon argument), not understanding that they get far fewer antigens than they once did, with far more protection, most of them will be surprised that some children got even more immunizations that the 1980s schedules they long for.
So in the 1940s, some children received:
- 3 doses of the pertussis vaccine
- 2 doses of the smallpox vaccine
- 3 doses of the typhoid vaccine
- 3 doses of a DT vaccine
- a DPT booster
- a tetanus booster
- a typhoid booster
- 2 pertussis boosters
Some children also received a flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
With reference to the influence viral vaccine we have endeavored to give it those children who have repeated, frequent, severe upper respiratory tract infection.
Dr. Francis A Garbade – Galveston, Texas 1948
And in 1938, the AAP’s Special Committee on Prophylactic Procedures Against Communicable Diseases published a pamphlet, Routine measures for the prophylaxis of communicable diseases, which became the first Red Book.
Among its recommendations were vaccines to protect against seven infections, including:
- diphtheria
- pertussis
- rabies
- tetanus
- tuberculosis
- typhoid fever
- small pox
It also mentions vaccines for erysipelas, scarlet fever, staphylococcal infections and chicken pox.
The bottom line is that many kids got a lot more vaccines in the old days than many parents realize or remember.
For More Information on Historical Immunization Schedules:
- CDC – Past Immunization Schedules
- History of the Immunization Schedule
- Vaccine Timeline
- AAP – Immunization Against Pediatrics. Report Committee on Control of Infectious Diseases, 1960.
- References on Historical Immunization Schedules
- Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infant’s Immune System?
- The Red Book Through the Ages.
- Practical and Immunolgic Aspects of Pediatric Immunizations.
- References on Historical Immunization Schedules
- Offit, Paul A. Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infant’s Immune System? Pediatrics. Vol. 109 No. 1 January 1, 2002 pp. 124-129
- Pickering, Larry K. The Red Book Through the Ages. Pediatrics. November 2013, VOLUME 132 / ISSUE 5
- Sako, Wallace. Practical and Immunolgic Aspects of Pediatric Immunizations. Pediatrics. 1948;2;722.