Keeping track of your child's vaccines can feel overwhelming—there are a lot of abbreviations, doses, and timelines to manage. This guide walks you through the CDC-recommended immunization schedule so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in medicine. They work by training your child's immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases before your child is ever exposed. Decades of research and billions of administered doses have shown that childhood vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for protecting both individual children and the broader community.
The Schedule, Age by Age
At Birth
- Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose, typically given before leaving the hospital.
2 Months
- IPV (polio)
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- PCV15 or PCV20 (pneumococcal)
- Rotavirus (oral vaccine)
- Hepatitis B, second dose
This is the first big vaccine visit. Your baby may be fussy afterward—that is completely normal and usually resolves within a day or two.
4 Months
- Second doses of DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, and Rotavirus
6 Months
- Hepatitis B, third dose (can be given between 6 and 18 months)
- Influenza (flu): First flu vaccine is recommended at 6 months, then annually
12 to 15 Months
- Varicella (chickenpox), first dose
- Hepatitis A, first dose (second dose 6 months later)
- Hib and PCV boosters
4 to 6 Years (School Entry)
- IPV, fourth dose
- MMR, second dose
- Varicella, second dose
These boosters are often required before starting kindergarten.
11 to 12 Years
- HPV vaccine (two-dose series if started before age 15)
- Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY), first dose (booster at 16)
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can my child get multiple vaccines at one visit? Yes. Combination visits are safe and well-studied. They reduce the number of office visits and ensure your child is protected on schedule.
What if we fall behind? Catch-up schedules exist for nearly every vaccine. Your pediatrician can create a plan to get back on track without starting over.
What about side effects? Most side effects are mild—soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fussiness. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
Staying on Track
The easiest way to stay current is to keep every well-child visit on your calendar. Your pediatrician's office will track which vaccines are due and remind you when it is time.
At Golden Gate Health, our [pediatric services](/services/pediatric-services) team administers all recommended childhood immunizations and is happy to answer any questions you have about the schedule. You can also view our detailed [vaccine schedule](/vaccine-schedule) page for a quick reference.
Vaccines are a gift you give your child—protection that lasts a lifetime.