Children's Vaccines Health Center

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) or make a disease less severe if your child does get it. The schedule outlines the immunizations and booster shots needed from birth through age 18, as well as when catch-up immunizations should be given.

The schedule for a premature infant is the same as for a full-term infant, except for hepatitis B vaccine.

Many 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.

The childhood immunization schedule has immunizations for:⁵

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

This shot (called Varivax) protects against chickenpox.

Who should get it?

• Two doses are given to all children 12 months of age and older who have not had chickenpox-one at age 12 to 15 months and one at age 4 to 6 years.

The combination MMRV (ProQuad) shot can be given in place of Varivax. 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).

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?

• Five doses are given to all children-one at age 2 months, one at 4 months, one at 6 months, one at 15 to 18 months, and one at 4 to 6 years.

Flu (influenza) (What is a PDF document?)

This immunization helps protect against the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu. Flu viruses are always changing, so the flu vaccines are updated every year.

Who should get it?

Flu immunization is recommended once a year for:

• All people ages 6 months and older.
  • Children younger than 9 years of age who are getting the immunization for the first time need two doses. These doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart.
  • Children younger than 9 years old who got only one dose in their first flu season need two doses before or during the next season. After that, one dose yearly is needed.
• Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to 5 years of age and of any child who is at high risk for complications of the flu.
• Anyone who has a chance of complications from the flu or is more likely to need medical care if infected.