---
title: Childhood Vaccination Schedule
description: A comprehensive guide to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule in the United States.
keywords: [childhood, vaccination, immunization, schedule, pediatric]
category: clinical
---

## Introduction

Vaccination is a critical public health measure that has significantly reduced the incidence of many infectious diseases and saved millions of lives worldwide. The childhood vaccination schedule in the United States, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), is designed to provide comprehensive protection against a range of vaccine-preventable diseases during the formative years of a child's development.

## Recommended Childhood Vaccination Schedule

The recommended childhood vaccination schedule consists of a series of immunizations administered at specific ages and intervals to ensure optimal protection. The schedule is divided into the following age groups:

### Birth to 15 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine: Dose 1 at birth, Dose 2 at 1-2 months, Dose 3 at 6-18 months
- Rotavirus (RV) vaccine: Dose 1 at 2 months, Dose 2 at 4 months, Dose 3 at 6 months
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine: Dose 1 at 2 months, Dose 2 at 4 months, Dose 3 at 6 months, Dose 4 at 15-18 months
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine: Dose 1 at 2 months, Dose 2 at 4 months, Dose 3 at 6 months, Dose 4 at 12-15 months
- Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine: Dose 1 at 2 months, Dose 2 at 4 months, Dose 3 at 6 months, Dose 4 at 12-15 months
- Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine: Dose 1 at 2 months, Dose 2 at 4 months, Dose 3 at 6-18 months
- Influenza (flu) vaccine: Annual dose starting at 6 months

### 12 to 23 Months
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: Dose 1 at 12-15 months
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: Dose 1 at 12-15 months
- Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine: Dose 1 at 12-23 months, Dose 2 at 6 months after Dose 1

### 4 to 6 Years
- DTaP vaccine: Dose 5 at 4-6 years
- IPV vaccine: Dose 4 at 4-6 years
- MMR vaccine: Dose 2 at 4-6 years
- Varicella vaccine: Dose 2 at 4-6 years

## Contraindications and Precautions

Certain medical conditions or circumstances may contraindicate or preclude the administration of specific vaccines. Healthcare providers should carefully evaluate a child's medical history and current health status before administering any vaccine. Contraindications may include:

- Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its components
- Immunocompromised state, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplantation
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Pregnancy (for live-attenuated vaccines)

Precautions may include:
- Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
- History of Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Recent administration of blood products

## Monitoring and Follow-up

After each vaccine administration, the child should be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions, such as fever, pain, swelling, or allergic reactions. Parents or caregivers should be advised to report any concerning symptoms to the healthcare provider.

Routine follow-up visits are recommended to ensure that the child receives all scheduled vaccine doses and to monitor for any delayed adverse events. Healthcare providers should document each vaccine administration in the child's medical record, including the vaccine name, manufacturer, lot number, date of administration, and site of injection.

## Vaccine Safety and Efficacy

The vaccines included in the childhood vaccination schedule have been extensively studied and proven to be safe and effective. Rigorous clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance have demonstrated the vaccines' ability to prevent serious infectious diseases while maintaining a favorable risk-benefit profile.

The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) continuously monitor vaccine safety and efficacy, and update the recommended schedules as necessary to ensure optimal protection for children. Healthcare providers should stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations to provide the best possible care for their patients.

## Conclusion

The childhood vaccination schedule is a critical component of preventive healthcare for children. By following the recommended schedule and administering the appropriate vaccines at the recommended ages, healthcare providers can help protect children from a range of infectious diseases and promote their overall health and well-being. Adherence to the schedule, along with careful monitoring and follow-up, is essential to maintaining high vaccination coverage and reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the community.