CDC Vaccine Schedule

The recommended childhood immunization schedule outlines which vaccines your baby needs and when, based on the CDC-recommended schedule endorsed by the AAP and AAFP.

Recommended immunization schedule for children ages 0-6 years.

Key takeaways

  • The CDC recommends vaccines starting at birth (Hepatitis B) through age 6, with most doses in the first 2 years.
  • Vaccines protect against 14 serious diseases including whooping cough, measles, and meningitis.
  • Common side effects (mild fever, fussiness, soreness) are normal and resolve within 1-2 days.
  • The AAP, CDC, and AAFP all endorse the standard immunization schedule for healthy infants.
HepBHepatitis B
3 doses

Protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease.

1
Birth
2
1 month
3
6 months
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness at injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Fussiness for 1-2 days

When to call:

  • Fever over 104°F (40°C)
  • Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) - extremely rare
RVRotavirus
3 doses

Protects against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in babies.

1
2 months
2
4 months
3
6 months

3rd dose only needed for RotaTeq brand

Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Mild diarrhea or vomiting
  • Fussiness
  • This is an oral vaccine (drops, not a shot)

When to call:

  • Severe vomiting or bloody diarrhea
  • Signs of intussusception: severe belly pain, drawing knees up, bloody stool (very rare)
DTaPDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
5 doses

Protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.

1
2 months
2
4 months
3
6 months
4
15-18 months
5
4-6 years
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at injection site
  • Fever
  • Fussiness, tiredness
  • Loss of appetite

When to call:

  • Fever over 105°F (40.5°C)
  • Crying for 3+ hours non-stop
  • Seizure (very rare)
HibHaemophilus influenzae type b
4 doses

Protects against Hib disease, which can cause meningitis and other severe infections.

1
2 months
2
4 months
3
6 months

Depending on brand

4
12-15 months
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Redness, warmth, or swelling at injection site
  • Fever

When to call:

  • Very high fever
  • Signs of allergic reaction
PCV15Pneumococcal
4 doses

Protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis.

1
2 months
2
4 months
3
6 months
4
12-15 months
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness at injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Fussiness, drowsiness

When to call:

  • Fever over 104°F
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction
IPVPolio
4 doses

Protects against poliovirus.

1
2 months
2
4 months
3
6-18 months
4
4-6 years
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness at injection site
  • This vaccine has very few side effects

When to call:

  • Signs of severe allergic reaction (extremely rare)
FluInfluenza (Flu)
1 dose

Annual flu vaccine recommended for all children 6 months and older.

1
6 months

Annual vaccine; 2 doses the first year, 1 dose each year after

Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness at injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Runny nose (if nasal spray)

When to call:

  • Severe allergic reaction (especially if egg allergy - inform your doctor)
MMRMeasles, Mumps, Rubella
2 doses

Protects against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

1
12-15 months
2
4-6 years
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Fever 7-12 days after vaccination
  • Mild rash
  • Swelling of glands in cheeks or neck

When to call:

  • Fever over 104°F
  • Seizure (febrile seizure - rare)
VARVaricella (Chickenpox)
2 doses

Protects against chickenpox.

1
12-15 months
2
4-6 years
Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness at injection site
  • Mild fever
  • A few chickenpox-like spots near injection site

When to call:

  • Seizure
  • Widespread rash (rare)
HepAHepatitis A
2 doses

Protects against hepatitis A virus.

1
12 months
2
18 months

At least 6 months after 1st dose

Common side effects & when to worry

Common (normal):

  • Soreness at injection site
  • Headache
  • Tiredness

When to call:

  • Severe allergic reaction (very rare)

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Frequently asked questions

What vaccines does my baby need in the first year?
In the first year, your baby will receive vaccines for Hepatitis B (HepB), Rotavirus (RV), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal (PCV13), Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV), and Influenza (flu). Most require multiple doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters later.
Are vaccines safe for babies?
Yes. Vaccines are among the most rigorously tested medical products. The CDC, AAP, and AAFP all recommend following the standard immunization schedule. Common side effects like mild fever, fussiness, and soreness at the injection site are normal and temporary. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
What should I do if my baby has a reaction to a vaccine?
Mild reactions like low-grade fever, fussiness, and redness at the injection site are normal and resolve within 1-2 days. You can give infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your pediatrician approves. Call your doctor if your baby has a fever above 105°F (40.5°C), cries inconsolably for more than 3 hours, has seizures, or shows signs of an allergic reaction like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Can I delay or spread out my baby's vaccines?
The CDC schedule is designed to protect babies as early as possible when they are most vulnerable to serious diseases. Delaying vaccines leaves your baby unprotected longer. The AAP does not recommend alternative schedules. If you have concerns, discuss them with your pediatrician rather than skipping or delaying doses.

Bottom line

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect your baby from serious diseases. The CDC schedule is designed to provide protection at the earliest safe age. If you have questions about any vaccine, talk to your pediatrician.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

Based on the CDC Recommended Immunization Schedule. Your pediatrician may adjust the timing for your baby.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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