Check This List for the Shots Kids May Need

Not sure what vaccines your kids need during their wellness exam? Here's what to expect.

Vaccines have been around since the late 18^th century, protecting infants, children and adults from serious infectious diseases. The majority of parents in the U.S. vaccinate their children according to recommended schedules. Pediatricians typically inform parents of what vaccines should be administered when. It's also helpful for parents to have a checklist of the vaccines children should get—and when they should get them. This helps parents better manage their children's health, especially if they change doctors or don't take their children for routine exams.

Below is a recommended list of vaccines and timing for children from birth to 18 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This list is just a recommendation. Exceptions to the timing or number of doses for any particular vaccine should be discussed with a doctor. If certain vaccines have not been given to date, your doctor may recommend a make-up schedule of shots to make sure your child is protected.

Hepatitis B (HepB): 3 doses

• Birth
• 1-2 months
• 6-18 months

Rotavirus (RV): 3 doses  

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months

Tetanus, Diphtheria & Acellular Pertussis (Tdap): 6 doses

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 15-18 months
• 4-6 years
• 11-12 years

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): 4 doses

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-15 months

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): 4 doses

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-15 months

Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): 4 doses

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6-18 months
• 4-6 years

Influenza (IIV4): yearly

• Beginning at 6 months and older (2 doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended for children 6 months-8 years who are getting an influenza vaccine for the first time)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 doses

• 12-15 months
• 4-6 years

Varicella (VAR): 2 doses

• 12-15 months
• 4-6 years

Hepatitis A (HepA): 2 doses

• 12-23 months
• 6 months after the first dose

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): 2 or 3 doses

• 11-12 years (2 shot series)
• If started at 15 years or older (3 shot series)

Meningococcal (MenACWY): 1 shot plus booster

• 11-12 years
• Booster at 16-18 years

Meningococcal B (MenB): 1 dose

• Age 10 and older at increased risk or age 16-18 not at increased risk may be vaccinated

COVID-19: 2 or 3 doses

• Currently recommended for children ages 6 months and older (Pfizer and Moderna only) – the number of doses and the schedule is dependent on the age of the child