Immunization Schedule

This schedule may vary depending upon where you live, your child's health, the type of vaccine, and the vaccines available. Some of the vaccines may be given as part of a combination vaccine so that your child gets fewer shots. Ask your doctor which vaccines your child should receive.

Birth

Hep B: Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV); recommended to give the first dose at birth, but may be given at any age for those not previously immunized.

1–2 months

Hep B: Second dose should be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.

2 months

DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine
Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
IPV: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Rota: Rotavirus vaccine

4 months

DTaP
Hib
IPV
PCV
Rota

6 months

DTaP
Hib
PCV
Rota

6 months and annually

Seasonal influenza. The vaccine is recommended every year for children 6 months and older. Kids under 9 who get a flu vaccine for the first time will receive it in two separate doses at least a month apart. Those younger than 9 who have been vaccinated in the past might still need two doses if they have not received at least two flu vaccinations since July 2010.
Kids 6 months to 5 years old are still considered the group of kids who most need the flu vaccine, but updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend that all older kids and teens get it, too.

It's especially important for high-risk kids to be vaccinated. High-risk groups include, but aren't limited to, kids younger than 5 years old, and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart problems, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

It can take up to 2 weeks after the shot is given for the body to build up immunity against the flu.

6–18 months

Hep B
IPV

12–15 months

Hib
MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) vaccine
PCV
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

12–23 months

Hep A: Hepatitis A vaccine; given as two shots at least 6 months apart

15–18 months

DTaP

4–6 years

DTaP
MMR
IPV
Varicella

11–12 years

HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, given as 3 shots over 6 months. It's recommended for both girls and boys to prevent genital warts and certain types of cancer.
Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster
MCV: Meningitis vaccine; with a booster dose at age 16

College entrants

MCV: Meningitis vaccine; recommended for previously unvaccinated college entrants who will live in dormitories. One dose will suffice for healthy college students whose only risk factor is dormitory living.

Special circumstances

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for kids 2 years and older who have not received the vaccine and are at increased risk of developing the disease. This includes kids who live in states where the disease is common or who plan to travel to countries where the disease is common.
Meningitis vaccine can be given to kids as young as 9 months who are at risk of contracting meningitis. This includes children with certain immune disorders as well as those who live in (or are planning to travel to) countries where meningitis is common. This vaccine also should be given to teens 13 and older who did not receive it in childhood.
Pneumococcal vaccines also can be given to older kids (age 2 and up) who have immunocompromising conditions, such as asplenia or HIV infection, or other conditions, like cochlear implant.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: September 2012

Related Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The mission of the CDC is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Call: (800) CDC-INFO

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.

National Immunization Program This website has information about immunizations. Call: (800) 232-2522

Immunization Action Coalition This organization is a source of childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization information as well as hepatitis B educational materials.

CDC Immunization: Pre-teens and Adolescents CDC site provides materials in English and Spanish for parents, teens, pre-teens, and health care providers about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

Influenza Website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The CDC's site has up-to-date information on flu outbreaks, immunizations, symptoms, prevention, and more.

Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family? The flu itself generally isn't dangerous, but its complications can be. That's why it's important for you and your doctor to determine whether your family can and should get the flu vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Immunizations Immunizations have protected millions of children from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about immunizations and find out exactly what they do - and what they don't.

Your Child's Immunizations Here's an overview of each vaccine recommended for kids, and a link to an immunization schedule that can help you make sure your child has all vaccinations on time.