A Simple Guide to the Child Vaccine Schedule
Keeping your child healthy starts with staying on track with vaccines. Vaccines help protect kids from serious diseases like measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough. But knowing when your child needs each shot can feel confusing.
Good news: we’ve made it simple! Below is a quick look at when kids need their vaccines based on the latest guidelines from the CDC.
📅 Birth to 6 Years
Most vaccines are given during regular checkups from birth to age 6. Here are some of the main ones:
- At birth: Hepatitis B (first dose)
- 2, 4, and 6 months: Shots for rotavirus, polio, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough), Hib, and more
- 12-15 months: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox, and more
- 4-6 years: Booster doses for MMR, polio, and DTaP
DOWNLOAD: Recommended immunization for birth through 6 years old in the United States (pdf)
🧒 7 to 18 Years
Older kids still need protection too! These vaccines are usually given during school-age and teen years:
- 11-12 years: Tdap booster, HPV vaccine, and meningitis shot
- 16-18 years: Second meningitis shot and other catch-up vaccines if needed
🩺 Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines help your child stay healthy—and they help protect others in your family and community too. Some diseases, like measles, can spread quickly in schools and daycare. Getting vaccinated keeps everyone safer.
💡 Tips to Stay on Track
- Schedule regular checkups
- Ask your child’s doctor what shots are due
- Keep a vaccine record at home
Need help catching up on vaccines?
Our clinics offer vaccines for kids and teens—and we accept Medicaid, offer a sliding fee scale, and work with most insurance plans. Schedule an appointment today and protect your child’s future.
Pediatric Care at Primary Health Care
Primary Health Care provides care for babies, children, and teens.
Our pediatric providers offer:
- newborn care
- well-child visits
- vaccines
- care for illness or injuries
- behavioral health support when needed
We accept many insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offer a sliding fee scale for patients who qualify. Click here to learn more about our Pediatric Care department.
Schedule Your Child’s Immunizations
If you recently welcomed a baby or a child due for their vaccine, our team is here to help.
Contact Primary Health Care to schedule your kiddo’s checkup.
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