Child Vaccine Schedule

Here is the routine childhood vaccine (immunization) schedule from the CDC. There is also a catch-up schedule for children who are behind on vaccines. And there may be a different schedule and other vaccines for children at high risk for infection. Your child's health care provider can tell you about this routine. And they will let you know which vaccines can be given on different schedules. For instance, the vaccines for 2-month-olds may be given at age 6 weeks. Your provider will discuss this with you.

Vaccine

Disease prevented

Recommended

Hepatitis (HepB)

Hepatitis B. This can cause chronic, severe liver disease.

1st: Birth

2nd: 1-2 months

3rd: 6-18 months

Rotavirus (RV)

Rotavirus. This can cause severe diarrhea in infants and children up to age 2 years.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months (It depends on the vaccine used.)

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP)

Diphtheria. This can cause inflammation of the throat and airways. This can block breathing.

Tetanus (lockjaw). This can cause severe, painful spasms of neck, jaw, and other muscles. It can cause death.

Pertussis (whooping cough). This can cause prolonged loud coughing and gasping. It can affect breathing. And it can cause death.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

4th: 15-18 months

5th: 4-6 years

Note: Your child will need one more dose (the Tdap) at 11-12 years old. Your child should then get the Tdap or Td booster every 10 years.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). This is a severe bacterial infection. It can cause lung infection (pneumonia) and inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). And it can cause other serious infections.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months (It depends on the vaccine used.)

4th: 12-15 months

Vaccine

Disease prevented

Recommended

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)

Polio. This can paralyze the muscles.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6-18 months

4th: 4-6 years

Note: People who travel to other countries should make sure they are protected against polio before departure. If a child can't complete the routine series before they leave, it's advised that they get the vaccines on an earlier schedule.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Measles. This can cause ear infections and pneumonia.

Mumps. This affects the glands in the neck. It may affect the testes.

Rubella (German measles). This can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is exposed.

1st: 12-15 months

2nd: 4-6 years

Varicella (VAR)

Chickenpox. This can cause itchy rash, fever, and fatigue. It can lead to scarring, pneumonia, and brain inflammation (encephalitis). And it can cause other serious infections.

1st: 12-15 months

2nd: 4-6 years

Meningococcal

Bacterial meningitis. This is inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. It can result in death. There are 3 types of vaccines:

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY).
Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB).
Pentavalent meningococcal (MenABCWY).

MenACWY. Advised for all children.

1st: 11-12 years

2nd: 16 years

Catch-up vaccine may be given at age 13-15 years, with a booster at age 16-18 for any child who did not get the vaccine as a preteen.

MenB. May be advised for a child or teen age 10 or older. It depends on their health and risk. Talk with your child's provider.

MenABCWY. If a child or teen age 10 or older is getting MenACWY and MenB at the same visit, MenABCWY may be given instead. Talk with your child's provider.

Vaccine

Disease prevented

Recommended

Pneumococcal (PCV)

Pneumococcal disease. This can cause ear infections and pneumonia. It can also cause meningitis and bacteremia.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

4th: 12-15 months

Influenza

Flu. Different strains appear each year. The flu can be serious, especially for very young children. It can result in pneumonia and a hospital stay.

Yearly starting at age 6 months.

2 doses are given for a child younger than age 9 years who has never had flu vaccines.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019. It most often causes a respiratory illness. Symptoms range from mild to severe. They can result in a hospital stay.

COVID-19 vaccine is advised for everyone age 6 months or older. The specific vaccine and number of doses can vary. It depends on age and risk. Talk with your provider to learn more.

Hepatitis A (HepA)

Hepatitis A. This can cause sudden liver inflammation.

1st: 12-23 months

2nd: 6-18 months after the first dose

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV. This virus can cause genital warts. It may increase risk for cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, or throat.

1st: 9-14 years

2nd: 6-12 months after 1st

3-dose series if started after age 15 years

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody nirsevimab

RSV. This common virus can cause mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV can be severe in infants. It can result in a hospital stay.

1 dose for infants younger than 8 months and born during or entering their first RSV season. It may also be advised for an infant or child age 8-19 months who is at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.

Note: If 1 dose of maternal RSV vaccine was given at weeks 32-36 of pregnancy, most infants won't need the vaccine. Talk to your baby's provider. Find out if this vaccine is right for your child.