Vaccines and Immunizations

What is the recommended schedule for vaccines and immunizations?

The recommended vaccine schedule can vary based on age, health status, and country-specific guidelines. Below is a general schedule for vaccines and immunizations, primarily based on the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States:

Infants and Children

At Birth:

• Hepatitis B (HepB) – First dose

1-2 Months:

• Hepatitis B (HepB) – Second dose
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – First dose
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – First dose
• Polio (IPV) – First dose
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) – First dose
• Rotavirus (RV) – First dose

4 Months:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – Second dose
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – Second dose
• Polio (IPV) – Second dose
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) – Second dose
• Rotavirus (RV) – Second dose

6 Months:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – Third dose
• Hepatitis B (HepB) – Third dose
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – Third dose (if needed)
• Polio (IPV) – Third dose
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) – Third dose
• Rotavirus (RV) – Third dose
• Influenza (annually)

12-15 Months:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – Fourth dose
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – Fourth dose
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) – Fourth dose
• Rotavirus (RV) – Fourth dose (if needed)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – First dose
• Varicella (chickenpox) – First dose
• Hepatitis A – First dose

15-18 Months:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – Fifth dose

4-6 Years:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – Sixth dose
• Polio (IPV) – Fourth dose
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Second dose
• Varicella (chickenpox) – Second dose

Adolescents

11-12 Years:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) – Booster
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Series of three doses
• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) – First dose

16 Years:

• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) – Booster dose
• Meningococcal B (MenB) – Series of two or three doses (based on risk)

Adults

• Every 10 Years: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) or Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) booster
• Influenza: Annually
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Two doses for adults 50 years and older
• Pneumococcal: One dose for adults 65 years and older or for those with certain health conditions

Special Considerations

• Pregnant Women: Tdap during each pregnancy, influenza vaccine during flu season.
• Travelers: Additional vaccines based on destination, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and more.

This schedule is a general guideline and may vary based on individual health conditions and local recommendations. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on vaccinations and receive personalized advice.