At a glance
- Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from 16 potentially harmful diseases.
- Immunizations are not just for children.
- Adults also are at risk for some vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Find out which vaccines are recommended for you and your family members based on your ages.
Babies and toddlers
Your baby’s birth is an exciting time. This is also your first opportunity to protect your child from serious diseases with immunizations.
Hepatitis B vaccine
1st dose of 3
Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. There is no cure for hepatitis B. Mothers can unknowingly pass the hepatitis B virus to their babies at birth, which is why babies should get their first dose within 24 hours of birth.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
1 Dose
RSV is a common cause of severe respiratory illness in infants and young children. Those infected with RSV can have difficulty breathing and eating, and sometimes may need respiratory support or hydration in the hospital. An RSV immunization uses monoclonal antibodies to protect infants and young children from severe RSV disease. This immunization gives your baby's body extra help to fight an RSV infection.
Infants younger than 8 months old during RSV season (typically fall through spring) should get a one-dose RSV immunization to protect them against RSV. This dose should be given shortly before or during the RSV season.
Learn more about these vaccines:
Protect your baby by providing immunity early in life. Starting at 1 to 2 months of age, your baby receives the following vaccines to develop immunity from potentially harmful diseases.
DTaP vaccine
1st dose of 5
A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.
Hib vaccine
1st dose of 3 or 4
Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).
Hepatitis B vaccine
2nd dose of 3
Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can be a lifelong, chronic infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
IPV
1st dose of 4
Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.
PCV
1st dose of 4
Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.
Rotavirus vaccine
1st dose of 2 or 3
Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand).
Learn more about these vaccines:
Protect your baby by providing immunity early in life. Stay on track with the recommended vaccine schedule.
At 4 months of age, your baby receives the following vaccines to develop immunity from potentially harmful diseases.
DTaP vaccine
2nd dose of 5
A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.
Hib vaccine
2nd dose of 3 or 4
Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).
IPV
2nd dose of 4
Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.
PCV
2nd dose of 4
Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.
Rotavirus vaccine
2nd dose of 2 or 3
Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the Rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand).
Learn more about these vaccines:
Protect your baby by providing immunity early in life. Stay on track with the recommended vaccine schedule.
At 6 months of age, your baby receives vaccines to develop immunity from potentially harmful diseases.
COVID-19 vaccine
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
DTaP vaccine
3rd dose of 5
A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.
Hib vaccine
3rd dose of 4
Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).
Hepatitis B vaccine
3rd dose of 3
Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can be a lifelong, chronic infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
IPV
3rd dose of 4
Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.
PCV
3rd dose of 4
Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.
Rotavirus vaccine
3rd dose of 3
Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the Rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand).
Learn more about these vaccines:
There are usually no vaccinations scheduled between 7 and 11 months of age. However, if your baby has missed an earlier vaccination, now is a good time to "catch up."
Flu vaccine
Babies 6 months and older should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
By following the recommended schedule and fully immunizing your child by 2 years of age, your child should be protected against 16 vaccine preventable diseases.
Between 12 and 23 months of age, your child receives the following vaccines to continue developing immunity from potentially harmful diseases.
Chickenpox vaccine
1st dose of 2
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease known for its itchy, blister-like rash and a fever. Chickenpox is a mild disease for many, but can be serious, even life-threatening, especially in babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
DTaP vaccine
4th dose of 5
A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.
Flu vaccine
Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
Hepatitis A vaccine
1st Dose of 2
Hepatitis A can be a serious, even fatal liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Children with the virus often don't have symptoms, but they often pass the disease to others, including their unvaccinated parents or caregivers.
Hepatitis B vaccine
3rd dose of 3 between 6 months and 18 months
Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can be a lifelong, chronic infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Hib vaccine
3rd dose of 3 or 4th dose of 4
Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease. It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Doctors recommend that your child get three or four doses of the Hib vaccine (depending on the brand).
IPV
3rd dose of 4 between 6 months and 18 months
Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.
MMR vaccine
1st dose of 2
The MMR vaccine helps prevent three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These diseases are contagious and can be serious.
PCV
4th dose of 4
Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.
Learn more about these vaccines:
Between 2 and 3 years of age, your child should visit the doctor once a year for check-ups.
Flu vaccine
Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
Young children
Between 4 through 6 years of age, your child should visit the doctor once a year for check-ups. During this time, your child receives the following vaccines.
Chickenpox vaccine
2nd dose of 2
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease known for its itchy, blister-like rash and a fever. Chickenpox is a mild disease for many, but can be serious, even life-threatening, especially in babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
DTaP vaccine
5th dose of 5
A DTaP vaccine is the best protection from three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). All three of these diseases can be deadly for people of any age, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies.
Flu vaccine
Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
IPV
4th dose of 4
Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. It most often sickens children younger than 5 years old. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.
MMR vaccine
2nd dose of 2
The MMR vaccine helps prevent three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These diseases are contagious and can be serious.
Learn more about these vaccines:
Between 7 and 10 years of age, your child should visit the doctor once a year for check-ups.
Flu vaccine
Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
Vaccines your child may have missed
Now is a good time for your child to catch up on any missed vaccines. Make an appointment for your child to get caught up if they haven't received vaccines to protect against any of the following diseases:
Preteens and teens
There are four vaccines recommended for preteens—these vaccines help protect your children, their friends, and their family members.
Flu vaccine
Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
HPV vaccine
2 doses
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause several cancers in men and women. HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12 years to help protect against cancers caused by HPV infection. For best protection, most children this age will need two shots of the HPV vaccine, 6-12 months apart.
MenACWY vaccine
1st dose of 2
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis or bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. The meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY helps protect against four types of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).
Tdap vaccine
1 dose
A Tdap booster shot protects older children from three serious diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). While people of any age in the United States can get all three of these potentially deadly diseases, whooping cough is most common. Preteens and teens who get whooping cough may cough for 10 weeks or more, possibly leading to rib fractures from severe coughing.
Learn more about these vaccines:
Between 13 through 18 years old, your child should visit the doctor once each year for check-ups. This can be a great time to get any vaccines your teen may have missed or may need if traveling outside the United States.
Flu vaccine
Children should receive flu vaccination every flu season.
MenACWY vaccine
2nd dose of 2
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis or bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. The meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY helps protect against four types of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).
MenB vaccine
2 doses
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. Meningococcal B vaccine, or MenB vaccine, helps protect against one type of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroup B).
Note: CDC does not routinely recommend MenB vaccine for all adolescents. Instead, healthcare providers and parents can discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination.
MenABCWY vaccine
1 dose
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections, which can be serious, even deadly. Pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, or MenABCWY vaccine, helps protect against five types of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease (serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y).
Note: MenABCWY vaccine can be given instead of MenACWY and MenB vaccines when both of those vaccines are being given at the same visit. MenABCWY is not given in addition to those two vaccines.
Learn more about these vaccines:
Adults
All adults ages 19 through 26 years old should make sure they're up to date on the vaccines listed below. You may need other vaccines based on other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you.
Chickenpox vaccine
Adults who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get 2 doses. The doses should be at least 28 days apart.
COVID-19 vaccine
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Flu vaccine
All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
Hepatitis B vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults, age 19 through 59 years.
HPV vaccine
If you were not vaccinated at a younger age (HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years), then you should also get an HPV vaccine.
MMR vaccine
Adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Students at post-high school educational institutions who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
Td or Tdap vaccine
Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.
In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.
Learn more about these vaccines:
All adults ages 27 to 49 years should make sure they’re up to date on the vaccines listed below. You may need other vaccines based on other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you.
COVID-19 vaccine
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Flu vaccine
All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
Hepatitis B vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults, age 19 through 59 years.
MMR vaccine
Adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Students at post-high school educational institutions who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
Td or Tdap vaccine
Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.
In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.
Learn more about these vaccines:
All adults ages 50 to 64 years should make sure they’re up to date on the vaccines listed below. You may need other vaccines based on other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you.
COVID-19 vaccine
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Flu vaccine
All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions.
Shingles vaccine
Adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease.
Td or Tdap vaccine
Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.
Learn more about these vaccines:
As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases.
All adults ages 65 years or older should make sure they’re up to date on the vaccines listed below. You may need other vaccines based on other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you.
COVID-19 vaccine
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Flu vaccine
All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions.
Pneumococcal vaccine
CDC recommends PCV vaccines for adults who never received a PCV and are age 65 years or older.
Shingles vaccine
Adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
Adults aged 60 years or older should talk to their healthcare provider about getting a single dose of RSV vaccine.
Td or Tdap vaccine
Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.
Learn more about these vaccines:
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