Recommended immunizations

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a specific childhood immunization schedule each year. Immunizations are recommended because they protect against diseases (give immunity) and make a disease less severe if your child does get it. The schedule outlines the immunizations and booster shots needed from birth through age 6 and ages 7 to 18, as well as when catch-up immunizations should be given.

Some immunizations require more than one dose, given at varying intervals. Although your child does not need to restart the series if a scheduled dose is missed, the immunization should be given as soon as possible. Consult your doctor or public health department if your child missed an immunization or to find out whether your child needs a specific immunization. For more information about each vaccine, see the topic Vaccine Information Statements.

The childhood immunization schedule has immunizations for:⁴

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot (immunization) protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis).

Who should get it?

• A total of five doses are given to all children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years.

Polio (What is a PDF document?)

This shot protects against polio.

Who should get it?

• A total of four doses are given to all children at ages 2 months, 4 months, between 6 and 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Who should get it?

• All children need one dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

Research has shown no link between the MMR shot and autism.³ There is a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV, or ProQuad) shot that also protects against chickenpox (varicella). It can be substituted for either or both doses of MMR in children age 12 and younger.⁵

Chickenpox (varicella) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot, called Varivax, protects against chickenpox.

Who should get it?

• All children 12 months of age and older who have not had chickenpox should get one dose at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years old.
  • The second dose may be given earlier if it's been at least 3 months since the first dose.

The combination MMRV (ProQuad) shot can be given to children ages 12 and younger in place of Varivax.⁵ The vaccines for chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella are all in this one shot. Many states require that children entering day care or school get immunized against chickenpox unless they can show proof of immunity (through blood test results or having had chickenpox).

Hepatitis B (Hep B) (What is a PDF document?)