Vaccines help your baby to build up defenses against serious illness and diseases.

Routine
times of immunizations are at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 to 18 months, and 4 to 6
years old.

Speak to your baby's health care provider shortly after birth to see the exact times she would
like your baby to be vaccinated. For information about specific vaccines and the recommended
childhood vaccination schedule, refer to the box below.

Recommended Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Hepatitis B
Usually given within 12 hours of birth, between 1 and 4 months, and at 6 to 18 months.

Dosage and timing depends on the mother's immunity to Hepatitis B.

Rotavirus
Given at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months

DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)

Given together at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years.

Acellular pertussis is the preferred vaccine for pertussis as it is associated with fewer
reactions.

Hib (Haemophilus influenza Type B)

Given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and at 12 to 15 months.

PCV (Pneumococcal)
Given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and at 12 to 15 months.

Inactivated poliovirus
Given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years.

Influenza
Recommended annually for children 6 months and older.

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Given together at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years.

Varicella (also known as chicken pox)

Given at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years.

Hepatitis A
Two doses given between 12 months and 24 months.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians, 2007

Continue to "Baby's Developmental Milestones"

Most recent page update: 9/9/2010

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