Immunizations and vaccines are the best defense against dangerous childhood diseases. To find out when your child should get specific immunizations, choose from the list.
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis Immunization
Hepatitis A Immunization
Hepatitis B Immunization
H. influenzae type b (Hib) Immunization
Influenza Immunization
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Immunization
Pneumococcal (PCV13) Immunization
Chickenpox (Varicella) Immunization
Rotavirus (RV) Immunization
Polio (IPV) Immunization
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization
Meningococcal (MPSV4/MCV4) Immunization
Hepatitis A Immunization
Hepatitis B Immunization
H. influenzae type b (Hib) Immunization
Influenza Immunization
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Immunization
Pneumococcal (PCV13) Immunization
Chickenpox (Varicella) Immunization
Rotavirus (RV) Immunization
Polio (IPV) Immunization
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization
Meningococcal (MPSV4/MCV4) Immunization
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP) -- Five-Dose Series
2-4 months:
The first two doses are given at 2 and 4 months old.
4-6 months:
The third dose is given at 6 months.
12-18 months / 4-6 years:
The fourth dose is usually given between 15 and 18 months. However, it can be given as early as 12 months, as long as six months have passed since the third dose. The fifth dose should be given, at the latest, between 4 to 6 years.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) -- One Dose
11-12 years:
One booster dose is recommended at age 11 or 12 if the child has completed the DTaP series (see above) and has not yet received a tetanus and diphtheria toxiods booster vaccine (Td) for any reason (such as a traumatic injury).
13-18 years:
Teens who missed getting a tetanus and diphtheria toxiods booster vaccine (Td) or Tdap booster at age 11-12 should also receive a single dose of Tdap if they have completed the recommended childhood DTaP vaccination series.
Td boosters are recommended every 10 years throughout adulthood.
Hepatitis A (Hep A) -- Two-Dose Series
12-23 months:
Two-dose series given at age 1 (between 12 and 23 months) -- given at least 6 months apart.
Children who have not been vaccinated by age 2 can receive this immunization at subsequent visits.
2-18 years:
Children can be vaccinated after age 2 if they haven't been fully vaccinated as an infant. Check with your doctor or health department for local recommendations.
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Birth:
The first dose is given soon after birth and before hospital discharge.
1-2 months:
The second dose is given at least one month later, between 1-2 months.
6-18 months:
The final dose is given between 24 weeks (6 months) and 18 months.
2-18 years:
A full vaccination series is given to all children who didn’t get vaccinated as infants.
*Depending on which vaccine is used, your child might receive an additional dose.
H. influenzae type b (Hib) -- Three-Dose Series
2-4 months:
The first dose is given at 2 months and the second at 4 months.
12-15 months:
The third dose is given between 12 and 15 months.
*Depending on which vaccine is used, your child might require a dose at 6 months.
Influenza
6 months and up
The flu shot vaccine is recommended annually for all children aged 6 months and up and close contacts of all children aged 0-59 months. Children younger than 9 years old who receive the flu shot vaccine for the first time should get a second dose of flu vaccine. The second dose is given at least four weeks after the first. The nasal spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy children who are at least 2 years old.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) -- Two-Dose Series
12-15 months
The first dose can be given between 12 and 15 months.
4 - 6 years:
The second dose can be given one month after the first dose. However, the second dose is typically given between 4 to 6 years.
Pneumococcal (PCV)
2-4 months:
The first two doses of PCV13 are given at 2 and 4 months.
4-6 months:
The third dose of PCV13 is given at 6 months.
12-15 months:
The fourth dose of PCV13 is given at 12 to 15 months.
2 years and up:
Healthy children between 2 and 5 years old who have not completed the series before age 2 should get one dose.
High-risk children between 2 and 6 years old should get one dose or two doses if they have not completed the series before age 2.
An additional dose of PCV13 should be given to healthy children who had completed the series with the older PCV7 vaccine and who are less than 5 years old.
High-risk children who completed the series with PCV7 and who are less than 6 years old should also get one additional dose of PCV13.
High-risk children 2 years or older can also be given pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV).
Chickenpox (Varicella)
12-15 months
One dose is given after the first birthday, usually at 12 to 15 months.
4 - 6 years:
The second dose is given at 4-6 years.
Rotavirus (RV) -- Three-Dose Series
2-3 months:
The first dose is given between 6 to 14 weeks. The series should not be started after a baby reaches 15 weeks old.
4 months:
The second dose is given at 4 months.
6-8 months:
The third dose is usually given at 6 months. The last dose needs to be given by 32 weeks.
Polio (IPV) -- Four-Dose Series
2-4 months:
The first two doses of injectable polio vaccine are given at 2 and 4 months old.
6-18 months:
The third dose is given between 6 and 18 months old.
4-6 years:
The fourth dose is given at 4-6 years old.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) -- Three-Dose Series
11-12 years (or 9 years):
The first dose is recommended at 11-12 years old. Doctors may give it to girls as young as 9 years old. The second dose is given one to two months after the first dose, and the third dose is given six months after the first dose.
Catch-Up Vaccination:
The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women 13-26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. No booster doses are recommended at this time. The HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Meningococcal (MPSV4 or MCV4) -- One Dose
2 Years and up
This vaccine immunizes against invasive meningococcal disease. Vaccination is administered to children (2-10 years old) with certain immune disorders and in other high-risk groups. The CDC recommends vaccination for all children age 11-12. Children 13-18 years old should be vaccinated if not previously vaccinated. MCV4 vaccine can be given to previously unvaccinated college freshman living in dormitories, another high-risk group.
