Vaccination Schedule

A simplified overview of commonly recommended vaccines by age group, based on CDC guidelines. This is not a complete schedule — consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Select age group
Hepatitis B (HepB)1st dose

Protects against: Hepatitis B virus

Immunization Schedule Overview

Birth

VaccineProtects againstDose
Hepatitis B (HepB)Hepatitis B virus1st dose

1-2 months

VaccineProtects againstDose
HepBHepatitis B virus2nd dose
RV (Rotavirus)Rotavirus gastroenteritis1st dose
DTaPDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis1st dose
HibHaemophilus influenzae type b1st dose
PCV15Pneumococcal disease1st dose
IPVPolio1st dose

4 months

VaccineProtects againstDose
RV (Rotavirus)Rotavirus gastroenteritis2nd dose
DTaPDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis2nd dose
HibHaemophilus influenzae type b2nd dose
PCV15Pneumococcal disease2nd dose
IPVPolio2nd dose

6 months

VaccineProtects againstDose
HepBHepatitis B virus3rd dose
RV (Rotavirus)Rotavirus gastroenteritis3rd dose
DTaPDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis3rd dose
PCV15Pneumococcal disease3rd dose
InfluenzaSeasonal influenza (flu)Annual

12-15 months

VaccineProtects againstDose
MMRMeasles, Mumps, Rubella1st dose
VaricellaChickenpox1st dose
HepAHepatitis A virus1st dose
PCV15Pneumococcal disease4th dose
HibHaemophilus influenzae type bBooster

15-18 months

VaccineProtects againstDose
DTaPDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis4th dose

4-6 years

VaccineProtects againstDose
DTaPDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis5th dose
IPVPolio4th dose
MMRMeasles, Mumps, Rubella2nd dose
VaricellaChickenpox2nd dose

11-12 years

VaccineProtects againstDose
TdapTetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis1 dose
HPVHuman Papillomavirus (cervical & other cancers)2 doses
MenACWYMeningococcal disease (A, C, W, Y)1st dose

Adult

VaccineProtects againstDose
InfluenzaSeasonal influenza (flu)Annual
Td/TdapTetanus, Diphtheria, PertussisEvery 10 years
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2Per CDC guidance
Shingles (Shingrix)Herpes Zoster (shingles)2 doses, age 50+
Pneumococcal (PCV20)Pneumococcal disease1 dose, age 65+

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in public health. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. Widespread vaccination has eradicated smallpox, nearly eliminated polio, and dramatically reduced the incidence of measles, diphtheria, and many other diseases.

Catch-up schedules

If you or your child missed a vaccine, it is rarely too late to catch up. The CDC provides detailed catch-up schedules for children, adolescents, and adults. Your healthcare provider can review vaccination records and create a personalized plan to get back on track.

Herd immunity

When a high percentage of a community is vaccinated, it provides indirect protection to those who cannot be vaccinated (such as newborns or immunocompromised individuals). This concept, known as herd immunity, is critical for controlling outbreaks of contagious diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are vaccines safe?+
Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing through clinical trials before approval and are continuously monitored for safety. Side effects are generally mild (soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever) and resolve within a few days. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
What if I missed a dose?+
Most vaccines have catch-up schedules. You usually do not need to restart a series if you missed a dose — just pick up where you left off. Your doctor or pharmacist can review your vaccination history and recommend the right plan.
Do adults need vaccines?+
Yes. Adults need vaccines too. Annual flu shots, Td/Tdap boosters every 10 years, COVID-19 vaccines, and age-specific vaccines like Shingrix (50+) and pneumococcal (65+) are recommended. Some adults may also need catch-up doses for childhood vaccines they missed.
Where can I get vaccinated?+
Vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, pharmacies, community health centers, local health departments, and many workplaces or schools. Check with your insurance for coverage details.

Track vaccinations for your family

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