Baby Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child's health. The recommended immunization schedule is the result of decades of medical research by experts at organizations like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is carefully designed to protect infants and young children when they are most vulnerable to serious diseases.

This checklist provides an overview of the U.S. vaccination schedule. Use it to prepare for your pediatrician visits and keep track of your child's immunizations.

Why Vaccinate on Schedule?

Following the recommended schedule provides your baby with the best protection possible at the earliest possible age. The timing of each vaccine is based on when a baby's passive immunity from their mother begins to fade and when their own immune system is ready to mount a strong response. Delaying or splitting up vaccines can leave your child unprotected during these critical windows.

Your Baby's Vaccination Checklist

Here is a guide to the routine immunizations your baby will receive. Your pediatrician will provide the exact combination of shots at each visit.

• At Birth:
  • ☐ Hepatitis B (HepB): The first dose protects against this liver virus.
• 1 to 2 Months:
  • ☐ Hepatitis B (HepB): Second dose.
  • ☐ DTaP: Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough).
  • ☐ Hib: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a cause of bacterial meningitis.
  • ☐ IPV: Protects against Polio.
  • ☐ PCV13: Protects against Pneumococcal disease.
  • ☐ RV: Rotavirus vaccine (given orally).
• 4 Months:
  • ☐ DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV: Second doses of these vaccines.
• 6 Months:
  • ☐ DTaP, Hib, PCV13, RV: Third doses of these vaccines.
  • ☐ IPV: A third dose may be given between 6-18 months.
  • ☐ Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older. Your baby will need two doses the first year they are vaccinated.
• 12 to 18 Months:
  • ☐ MMR: Protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
  • ☐ Varicella: Protects against Chickenpox.
  • ☐ Hepatitis A (HepA): Given as a two-dose series.
  • ☐ DTaP, Hib, PCV13: Fourth 'booster' doses of these vaccines.
• 4 to 6 Years:
  • ☐ DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella: Final booster doses before starting school.

Tips for a Calmer Vaccination Visit

It's hard to see your baby get a shot, but you can make it easier for them:

• Comfort Holds: Hold your baby securely and skin-to-skin on your lap instead of having them lie on the exam table.
• Feed Your Baby: Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier during the shots is a powerful, natural pain reliever.
• Provide Distraction: For older babies and toddlers, a favorite toy, a song, or blowing bubbles can help draw their attention away from the shot.

Important Medical Notes

This checklist reflects the general schedule for healthy, full-term infants. Your child's schedule may be adjusted based on their specific health needs or if they were born prematurely. Always follow the personalized schedule and advice provided by your pediatrician.