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Childhood Chisunim (Vaccinations)
Childhood chisunim are given at Tipat Chalav (well-baby clinics) and in school. If your child is born in Israel, you will receive a Pinkas Chisunim (vaccination booklet) when the baby is born, before you leave the hospital. If your child is born abroad, a Pinkas Chisunim will be issued at your first Tipat Chalav visit. It is imperative that you bring this Pinkas Chisunim every time you take your child to be vaccinated, as by law your child cannot be vaccinated without it. Vaccinating your child is not required by law in Israel.

Recommended Ages for Chisunim
The following vaccinations are offered at Tipat Chalav: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chicken pox (varicella). The table below shows the recommended ages for childhood vaccinations:

Additional Childhood Chisunim

Pneumococcal Vaccination (Prevnar)
The pneumococcal vaccination, or Prevnar as it is called in Israel, has been approved for use in Israel and the Misrad Habriut (Ministry of Health) recommends its use among children ages 2 months to five years. The pneumococcus bacteria can cause meningitis, blood poisoning, ear infections, pneumonia and other infectious diseases in children under age five. The vaccine is given in four doses – at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months. Children older than six months can receive the vaccine in fewer doses. In order to be vaccinated, one must receive a prescription and referral from their pediatrician for each of the four doses. The vaccine is given by a health plan nurse. As of now, the vaccine is not included in the vaccinations given under the auspices of Tipat Chalav and is not covered in the basket of services except in the case of children with chronic illnesses. However, currently the vaccine may be subsidized by the supplemental health plans and there are plans for the vaccination to become a regular part of the Tipat Chalav immunization schedule in the near future.

Rotavirus Vaccination (Rotarix, RotaTeq)
The rotavirus vaccination, or rotarix or rotaTeq as it is called in Israel, has been approved for use in Israel and the Misrad Habriut recommends its use among children under age five. Rotavirus is the cause of severe diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and hospitalization. The vaccine is given orally in either two (rotarix) or three (rotaTeq) doses. Rotarix is given at ages 2 months and 4 months. The first dose must be given between ages 6 and 20 weeks, with the second following two months after. RotaTeq is given at ages 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. The minimum age for vaccination is 6 weeks and the set must be completed by age 32 weeks. In order to be vaccinated, one must receive a prescription and referral from their pediatrician for each of the doses. The vaccine is given by a health plan nurse. As of now, the vaccine is not included in the vaccinations currently given under the auspices of tipat chalav and is not covered in the basket of services, though it may be subsidized by the supplemental health plans.

The Flu Vaccine
The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months. It is recommended that certain individuals get vaccinated each year: people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. Those at high risk for complications from the flu include children aged six months through five years, pregnant women, people aged 50 and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

In order to receive the flu shot in Israel, one should go to the nurses’ office at the local Kupat Cholim (Health Care Clinic), where the vaccination will be administered. There is a nominal co-payment for the flu vaccine.

Immunizations for Foreign Travel
In general, immunizations are recommended for travel to Africa, Asia and Central and South America. In order to be immunized, one should contact the district health office up to six weeks before your departure. A list of the district health offices, along with their telephone numbers and hours can be found at http://www.health.gov.il/pages/default.asp?maincat=73&catid=605&pageid=3455. Co-payments are required for this service.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine (Gardasil, Cervarix)
The HPV vaccination, or gardasil or cervarix as it is called in Israel, has been approved for use in Israel by the Misrad Habriut for girls and women ages 9-26. The vaccine is not covered in the basket of services, though it may be subsidized by the supplemental health plans. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer and other sexually-transmitted diseases. The vaccine is given three doses – the second dose follows the first by two months and the third follows the second by four months. In order to be vaccinated, one must receive a prescription and referral from their pediatrician or family doctor for each of the three doses. The vaccine is given by a health plan nurse.