Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes recommended childhood vaccination schedules. Why are schedules created? Because the timing and spacing of immunizations are really important for the best possible protection against preventable diseases.

Kids’ immune systems are more vulnerable to illness and disease, and vaccination schedules are scientifically designed by top infectious disease experts and doctors with this in mind. The goal is to protect kids from vaccine-preventable diseases as early and as safely as possible.

Below, we review childhood immunizations and provide a list of vaccine recommendations and eligibility by age group.

How many vaccines do kids get if the immunization schedule for children is followed?

There are several different vaccines recommended between birth and 18 years old, and some require multiple doses at specific ages and times (which we’ll get into later in this post). Some vaccines are given as combination shots to offer the best protection with fewer shots.

*The COVID-19 vaccine is available for people 6 months old and older. Please discuss the vaccine with your clinician.
**One dose is recommended for newborns/infants under 8 months of age whose mothers did not receive the RSV vaccine during this pregnancy.
***The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving HPV immunization as early as 9 years old. Please discuss it with your clinician.

Does the childhood vaccine schedule get updated?

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets three times a year to review the latest scientific research and make any necessary changes to the child vaccination schedule. The CDC officially sets the schedule based on ACIP’s recommendations, as well as feedback from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP). These organizations may also make additional evidence-based recommendations.

For example, both the AAP and AAFP recommend that all children between 6 and 23 months receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-2026 respiratory season. This is because children in this age group are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

The CDC’s childhood vaccination schedule: A list of immunizations by age

Annual immunizations that help protect against illnesses

Some vaccines are updated and given each year to provide the best protection. Viruses like influenza and the coronavirus can change from season to season, which may make previous vaccines less effective against newer strains

The flu shot for children starting at 6 months old

The flu vaccine (or influenza vaccine) may be the most well-known of all immunizations. That’s because it’s one of the longest-running vaccines in the United States, with the first of its kind being approved for widespread use in 1945.

While influenza viruses circulate year-round, flu cases peak in the fall and winter months nearly every year. Flu vaccinations help protect against the types of influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common that season. That’s why the CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone by the end of October – including kids 6 months and older.

When children receive their first flu vaccination, the vaccine is delivered in two doses, given at least one month apart. After that first pair of doses, just one vaccination is needed each year.

Flu vaccinations are available in mist and shot form, and work to protect your child against the flu in the same way. Speak to your doctor to determine which form of the vaccination is right for your child and what timing works for their first vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months of age and older

COVID-19 vaccines are available as a yearly immunization for children 6 months old and older.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all young children between 6 and 23 months old get vaccinated. They may need one or two doses, depending on the number and types of COVID-19 vaccines they had in the past. Children over 2 years old are also eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and choosing whether to vaccinate can be discussed with your child’s doctor or clinician.

Newborn baby and infant vaccine schedule: Recommended immunizations for children ages 0 to 18 months

When do babies get their first shots? Staying on track with childhood immunizations starts early, with immunizations beginning at birth and coinciding with baby and child wellness schedules.

Remember, baby and child vaccination schedules are made with young immune systems in mind. If you have specific questions about when or why specific childhood vaccines are recommended for your newborn baby, infant or toddler, talk with your child’s doctor.

An overview of immunizations for newborns to 18 months old

  • Hep B – Many new parents wonder what vaccines are given at birth, and just one "newborn vaccine" is recommended right away: the first dose of hepatitis B. The first dose is recommended early on in case mothers are knowingly or unknowingly hepatitis B positive. The hep B vaccine schedule requires three doses in total. The second dose is recommended when your child is between 1-2 months old, and the third dose is recommended between 6-18 months.
  • RSV protective antibody – For infants under 8 months old who were born during or who are entering their first RSV season (late fall through the spring), it’s recommended they receive a single dose of the RSV preventive antibody to help protect their young immune systems. Timing on when they should receive it depends on when they’re born. However, most infants whose mothers or birthing parent received the RSV vaccine during this pregnancy don’t need this antibody treatment, too.
  • Rotavirus – Depending on the manufacturer of the vaccine, your child may need two or three doses of the rotavirus vaccine, with the first dose being given at 2 months old and the second at 4 months old. If needed, the third dose is given at 6 months old. It’s important to note that some forms of the vaccine cannot be given after 4 months of age, so following the recommended schedule is especially important to ensure your child is protected.
  • DTaP – The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine requires five doses. The first four are recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and between 15-18 months old.
  • Hib – Depending on the manufacturer of the vaccine, your child may need three or four doses of the haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine. If three doses are needed, shots are given at 2 months, 4 months and between 12-15 months old. If four doses are needed, kids also receive a dose at 6 months old.
  • PCV – The pneumococcal vaccine is a series of four doses taking place at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and between 12-15 months old.
  • IPV – The poliovirus vaccine is another four-dose series. The dosing schedule for the polio vaccine recommends the first three shots occur at 2 months, 4 months and between 6-18 months old.
  • MMR – The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is given in two doses. The dosing schedule for the MMR vaccine recommends the first shot be given between 12-15 months old.
  • Varicella – The chickenpox vaccine is also given in two doses, with the first shot taking place between 12-15 months old.
  • Hep A – The hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses. The first dose is recommended at 12 months old.

Recommended childhood vaccines for ages 4 to 6 years old

The recommended shots for kids between the ages of 4-6 years old are often called “kindergarten vaccines.” That’s because kids are usually required to be up to date on their immunizations to start attending elementary school. No new vaccines are introduced at this time.

An overview of immunizations for kids ages 4 to 6 years old

  • DTaP – The fifth and final diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is recommended when your child is between 4-6 years old.
  • IPV – The poliovirus vaccine is a four-dose series. The fourth dose should occur sometime between 4-6 years old.
  • MMR – The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is given in two doses. The second dose should be given between 4-6 years old.
  • Varicella – The second and final dose of the chickenpox vaccine is also recommended when your child is between 4-6 years old.

Recommended childhood vaccines for ages 11 to 12 years old

The immunizations that are recommended at this age (“middle school shots”) are for diseases that teens and young adults are at higher risk for – plus one booster dose to strengthen immunity for three diseases. Your child’s annual wellness visit or back-to-school checkup is the perfect time to get these vaccines.

An overview of immunizations for kids ages 11 to 12 years old

  • Tdap – At this age, this immunization is what’s commonly referred to as a “booster shot” because it boosts your child’s tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis immunity. While related to the DTaP vaccine kids receive during childhood, this vaccine is formulated for adolescents and adults. A Tdap booster is recommended every 10 years or for pregnant women between the 27th through 36th week of each pregnancy.
  • MenACWY – The first of two meningococcal vaccine doses is recommended sometime between 11-12 years old. This vaccine protects against the most common types of meningococcal bacteria (often the cause of meningitis) that affect adolescents.
  • HPV – While in some cases doctors may recommend the human papillomavirus vaccine as early as age 9, this vaccine is routinely recommended to begin between 11-12 years old. If the initial vaccination is completed before age 14, just two doses are needed. The second dose should be completed 6 to 12 months after the first dose. (If the initial vaccination is completed at age 15 or older, three doses are needed at specific intervals.)

Recommended immunizations for teens ages 16 to 18 years old

Between the ages of 16 and 18, there is one regularly recommended immunization and one immunization that may be recommended under certain circumstances.

An overview of immunizations for teens ages 16 to 18 years old

  • MenACWY – The second and final meningococcal vaccine shot is recommended at 16 years old.
  • MenB – The meningococcal B vaccine is typically given between 16-18 years old to provide protection during the ages when people are at highest risk of illness. Some colleges and universities also require students to have this vaccination. The vaccine is given in two or three doses, depending on the situation, and booster doses may be recommended if there’s an outbreak of bacterial meningitis.

What should I do if my child is behind on their vaccination schedule?

Don’t worry. There are catch-up recommendations in place. But since each vaccine has its own guidelines, talk with your child’s doctor to make a plan for getting back on schedule. They can talk with you about your child’s medical and immunization history, give you more information on specific vaccines and catch-up guidelines, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

Are there any reasons not to vaccinate my child?

Yes. There are times when some children should not get certain vaccines, or they should wait. For example, if:

  • Your child has any severe, life-threatening allergies to the vaccine or components of the vaccine
  • They’ve had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of vaccines
  • They’re moderately or severely ill

Their doctor may recommend not getting or delaying a specific vaccination.

Questions about when and why to vaccinate your child? Talk with a doctor.

If you have questions, we have answers. We have a team of family medicine doctors and pediatricians who are experts in kids’ health. They can talk with you about specific vaccines, walk you through the vaccination schedule, make recommendations based on your child’s medical and immunization history, and more.

If your child is due for their next round of shots or you need to get them caught up, make an appointment at a HealthPartners or Park Nicollet clinic near you.

For more about childhood vaccine disparities and how building trust and relationships with both patients and parents can help close the gap, listen to the discussion Dr. Andrea Singh had with Dr. Kari Haley and Dr. Steven Jackson on our Off the Charts podcast.