Infant vaccination schedule examples help parents understand which shots their baby needs and when. The first year of life involves multiple doctor visits and immunizations, which can feel overwhelming for new parents. This guide breaks down the recommended vaccine timeline from birth through eighteen months. Parents will find clear examples of what to expect at each stage, along with practical tips to stay organized. Knowing the schedule in advance makes it easier to prepare for appointments and keep babies protected from serious diseases.
Key Takeaways
- The infant vaccination schedule begins at birth with the Hepatitis B vaccine and continues through 18 months with multiple doses to build full immunity.
- The two-month visit is the busiest, with vaccines protecting against diseases like whooping cough, polio, and rotavirus.
- By six months, babies can also receive the flu vaccine, requiring two doses in their first flu season.
- At 12–15 months, the MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella—a major milestone in the schedule.
- Parents can stay organized by using vaccination trackers, scheduling appointments in advance, and setting calendar reminders.
- If you fall behind on the infant vaccination schedule, pediatricians can create a catch-up plan without starting over.
Understanding the Recommended Immunization Timeline
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes an infant vaccination schedule that pediatricians across the United States follow. This timeline starts at birth and continues through age 18 months, with booster doses extending into early childhood.
Vaccines are spaced out carefully. Each shot is timed to protect babies when they become most vulnerable to specific diseases. Some vaccines require multiple doses to build full immunity, which is why the schedule includes repeat visits.
The infant vaccination schedule covers protection against diseases like hepatitis B, whooping cough, polio, measles, and chickenpox. These illnesses can cause serious complications in young children, so early immunization is critical.
Parents should know that slight variations exist. Some pediatricians may adjust timing based on a baby’s health or circumstances. But, the core infant vaccination schedule remains consistent nationwide. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses this same schedule, giving parents confidence in its safety and effectiveness.
Birth to Two Months Vaccinations
The infant vaccination schedule begins immediately after birth. Here’s what parents can expect in the first two months:
At Birth:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) – First dose
Most hospitals administer the hepatitis B vaccine before discharge. This shot protects newborns from a liver infection that can become chronic.
At One to Two Months:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) – Second dose (if not given earlier)
At Two Months:
- DTaP – First dose (protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- Polio (IPV) – First dose
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – First dose
- Pneumococcal (PCV13) – First dose
- Rotavirus (RV) – First dose (oral vaccine)
The two-month visit is often the busiest on the infant vaccination schedule. Babies receive several shots, plus the oral rotavirus vaccine. Parents sometimes worry about giving so many vaccines at once. Research shows that combination vaccines are safe and don’t overwhelm a baby’s immune system.
After the two-month vaccines, some babies experience mild side effects like fussiness, low-grade fever, or soreness at the injection site. These reactions typically resolve within a day or two.
Four to Six Month Vaccinations
The infant vaccination schedule continues with important booster doses between four and six months. This period builds on the immunity started at two months.
At Four Months:
- DTaP – Second dose
- Polio (IPV) – Second dose
- Hib – Second dose
- PCV13 – Second dose
- Rotavirus (RV) – Second dose
At Six Months:
- DTaP – Third dose
- Polio (IPV) – Third dose (may be given between 6-18 months)
- Hib – Third dose (depending on brand, some require only two doses before 12 months)
- PCV13 – Third dose
- Rotavirus (RV) – Third dose (if using RotaTeq brand: Rotarix requires only two doses)
- Hepatitis B (HepB) – Third dose (can be given between 6-18 months)
- Influenza (Flu) – First dose (seasonal, starting at 6 months)
The six-month mark also introduces the flu vaccine. Babies need two doses of the flu shot in their first season, given at least four weeks apart. After that initial year, one annual flu shot provides protection.
This stretch of the infant vaccination schedule feels repetitive, but each dose strengthens the baby’s immune response. By six months, babies have received significant protection against several dangerous diseases.
Twelve to Eighteen Month Vaccinations
The infant vaccination schedule introduces new vaccines and final boosters during the second year of life.
At Twelve to Fifteen Months:
- MMR – First dose (protects against measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Varicella – First dose (chickenpox vaccine)
- Hib – Final dose
- PCV13 – Fourth dose
- Hepatitis A (HepA) – First dose (two-dose series)
At Fifteen to Eighteen Months:
- DTaP – Fourth dose
The MMR vaccine marks a significant milestone in the infant vaccination schedule. This combination shot provides protection against three highly contagious diseases. Some parents choose to split MMR into separate vaccines, though most pediatricians recommend the standard combination.
The hepatitis A vaccine starts a two-dose series. The second dose comes six months after the first, usually around 18 to 23 months.
By 18 months, babies have completed most of their infant vaccination schedule. They’ll need additional boosters at ages 4-6 years, but the foundation of immunity is now in place. Parents can feel confident that their child has strong protection against many preventable diseases.
Tips for Staying on Track With Your Baby’s Vaccines
Keeping up with the infant vaccination schedule requires some organization. These practical tips help parents stay current:
Use a Vaccination Tracker
Many pediatricians provide printed immunization records. Parents can also use apps or online portals to track which vaccines their baby has received. The CDC offers a printable schedule that parents can mark as they go.
Schedule Appointments in Advance
Book the next well-child visit before leaving each appointment. This habit prevents gaps in the infant vaccination schedule and ensures slots are available.
Set Calendar Reminders
Phone alerts one week before each appointment give parents time to prepare. A second reminder the day before helps avoid missed visits.
Keep Records Accessible
Store vaccination records in a safe place and bring them to every appointment. Some schools and daycares require proof of immunization for enrollment.
Ask Questions
Parents should feel comfortable discussing the infant vaccination schedule with their pediatrician. Understanding each vaccine’s purpose makes the process less stressful.
Plan for Side Effects
Keep infant-appropriate pain reliever on hand (with pediatrician approval). A calm environment and extra cuddles help babies recover quickly after shots.
Catching up is possible if a family falls behind. Pediatricians can create adjusted schedules to get babies back on track without starting over.
