Your Kid's Year-by-Year Immunization Guide


Help your child stay healthy and happy! Keep up-to-date with which vaccines he's already gotten and which ones are on the horizon.


Keep Your Child Healthy With This Vaccine Road Map

Keep your child healthy by staying on time with her vaccinations. Here is a comprehensive guide of what vaccinations are typically given at each age. Remember: some immunizations may be given as a combo vaccine so your child can get less shots. Since the schedule can vary depending on your child's health and which vaccines are available, ask your doctor about the immunization schedule that is right for your child.

Birth to Two Months

Doctors recommend that the first Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) should be given at birth. Don't worry if your child has not received this vaccination yet - it can be given at any time. The second HBV vaccine can be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.

Two to Six Months

The following immunizations are usually given between 2 and 6 months:

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

Six Months to Two Years

6–18 months: IPV and Hep B.

12–15 months: Hib, MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella), PCV, and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

12–23 months: The Hepatitis A vaccine is given as 2 shots at least 6 months apart.

15–18 months: DTaP.

Ages 4 to 6

Booster shots are often administered during this time. If not previously vaccinated, these shots can be given: DTaP, MMR, IPV, and Varicella.

Ages 11 to 12

Children 11 through 12 years of age generally receive the Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster (Tdap) and the Meningitis vaccine (MCV) with a booster at age 16. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for girls to prevent cervical cancer. It is given as 3 shots over 6 months.

The set is continued below.

Ages 13 to 18

Teenagers should receive the meningitis vaccine if they have not been previously vaccinated. For those who receive the initial shot between ages 13 and 15 should get a booster dose between 16 and 18 years old.

Teens Starting College

Students should come into college receiving all needed vaccines. Some colleges require specific vaccinations. Generally, the meningitis vaccine (MCV) is recommended for all college students to live in college dorms.

Special Circumstances

The meningitis vaccine (MCV) should also be given to children between the ages of 2 and 10 with chronic illnesses. A booster shot is given a few years later, depending on when the first dose was given. Children with asplenia, HIV, or other medical conditions often receive pneumococcal vaccines.

Flu Shots

Avoid sickness during flu season by taking the flu shot. Doctors recommend that kids over 6 months get the flu shot every year. Flu shot immunizations are especially important for kids with medical conditions, like asthma, heart problems, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or HIV. Immunity against the flu is built up after 2 weeks the shot is given.