Please see below for the KidsHealth.org recommended lists of Childhood Immunizations. It is so important, now more than ever, that our children get immunized. It is required for attending school and helps to eliminate disease in our country. This list may vary depending on where you live, your child's health and vaccines that are available. You should always check with your physician for what is best for your child.

Birth

• Hep B: Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV); recommended to give the first dose at birth, but may be given at any age for those not previously immunized.

1–2 months

• Hep B: Second dose should be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.

2 months

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

4 months

• DTaP
• Hib
• IPV
• PCV
• Rota

6 months

• DTaP
• Hib
• PCV
• Rota

6–18 months

• Hep B
• IPV

12–15 months

• Hib
• MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) vaccine
• PCV
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

12–23 months

• Hep A: Hepatitis A vaccine; given as two shots at least 6 months apart

15–18 months

• DTaP

4–6 years

• DTaP
• MMR
• IPV
• Varicella

11–12 years

• HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls, given as 3 shots over 6 months. Also recommended for girls ages 13 to 18 years if they have not yet been vaccinated.
• Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster
• MCV4: Meningitis vaccine; also recommended for younger children from certain high-risk groups, as well as 13- to 18-year-olds who have not yet been vaccinated. 

College entrants

• MCV4: Meningitis vaccine; recommended for previously unvaccinated college entrants who will live in dormitories.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: November 2008