Let’s be real: Tracking baby vaccines? It’s like decoding a manual while running on no sleep and holding a squirmy newborn. DTaP? Hib? PCV? Flu? It all sounds like alphabet soup when all you really want to know is what shots my baby needs and when?
You’re not alone. And good news: we’ve simplified the official CDC-recommended vaccine schedule into a clear, easy-to-follow guide just for you.
We’ve also got answers to the questions most parents are secretly Googling (yep, including “Can I space them out?” and “What if my baby has a cold?”). Let’s take the confusion out of your baby’s immunization journey and give you one less thing to stress about.
Why baby vaccines matter
Vaccines are among the safest and most powerful tools parents can use to protect their little ones from dangerous diseases, especially those like measles, whooping cough, and polio. According to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, “The record number of children under-immunized and susceptible to measles shows the profound damage immunization systems have sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic.” This stark reminder comes from a CDC press release highlighting how missed vaccines leave kids vulnerable to outbreaks
Vaccines also help prevent outbreaks in your community, which experts call herd immunity, especially for people with weakened immune systems or babies who aren’t old enough to get certain vaccines yet.
Baby vaccine schedule: What to expect and when
Here’s a simple breakdown of what your baby will need, starting from the day they’re born, plus a quick explanation of why each vaccine matters.
Good to know: You can download and print the CDC’s easy-to-read vaccine schedule (PDF) to keep on your fridge, diaper bag, or nursery wall. It’s a parent-friendly version of the full immunization guide.
At Birth
Hepatitis B (HepB) – 1st dose
Prevents a serious liver disease that can be passed from mother to baby at birth.
RSV immunization – 1 dose (if baby is born during RSV season)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause severe lung infections in infants. In the U.S., RSV season typically runs from fall through spring (roughly October to March), when cases are at their highest. If your baby is born during this time, they may be offered a single dose of RSV immunization. This helps protect your baby from severe lung infections and hospitalization. Given as a monoclonal antibody shot, not a vaccine.
Did you know?
According to the CDC, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S
1–2 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB) – 2nd dose
2 Months
Your baby will receive multiple vaccines, often combined into fewer shots.
- DTaP – 1st dose
- IPV (Polio) – 1st dose
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – 1st dose
- PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate) – 1st dose
- RV (Rotavirus) – 1st dose
These vaccines protect against diseases like whooping cough, meningitis, pneumonia, and polio.
4 Months
- DTaP – 2nd dose
- IPV – 2nd dose
- Hib – 2nd dose
- PCV – 2nd dose
- RV – 2nd dose
6 Months
- DTaP – 3rd dose
- PCV – 3rd dose
- RV – 3rd dose (if needed, depending on brand)
- HepB – 3rd dose (between 6–18 months)
- IPV – 3rd dose (between 6–18 months)
- Influenza (flu shot) – 1st dose
Good to know: Babies need 2 doses of flu vaccine at least 4 weeks apart the first year they receive it.
12–15 Months
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) – 1st dose
- Varicella (chickenpox) – 1st dose
- Hib – final dose
- PCV – final dose
- HepA – 1st dose
- Flu shot – annually during flu season
15–18 Months
- DTaP – 4th dose
18–23 Months
- HepA – 2nd dose (at least 6 months after the 1st dose)
Bookmark this: Check the CDC’s vaccine schedule by age anytime to stay updated. It’s printable, pediatrician-approved, and always reflects the most current science.
Shot day tips for real parents
- Hold or breastfeed during the shot
- Bring a comfort item (lovey, pacifier, blankie)
- Ask your doctor about baby-safe pain relief
- Keep the vaccine card or digital record handy
- Reward them (and you!) with extra snuggles
You may also like
- Understanding the risk factors of SIDS and how to minimize them
- 12-month-old baby sleep guide
- 1-month-old baby sleep guide
FAQs
Q: What if my baby is sick on vaccine day?
A: Mild cold? Probably fine to vaccinate. However, your pediatrician may delay the shot if they have a fever over 101°F, vomiting, or signs of more serious illness.
Q: Can I space out vaccines?
A: Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. The CDC and AAP urge parents to stick to the schedule. Delaying vaccines means your baby is left vulnerable longer.
Q: Are combo vaccines safe?
A: Yes! Combination vaccines are FDA-approved, thoroughly tested, and reduce the number of needle sticks your baby receives in one visit.
Q: What side effects should I expect?
A: Most are mild and short-lived:
Fussiness or sleepiness
Low-grade fever
Soreness at injection site
Sources
- CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
“Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age.” - How vaccines protect children and communities.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2023.
“How Vaccines Protect Us.” - Printable combined vaccine schedule for children ages 0–18.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
“Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States.” - Guidelines on vaccine contraindications and precautions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
“Contraindications and Precautions.” - Common questions about childhood immunizations.
American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023.
“Childhood Immunizations: Common Questions.” - Overview of combination vaccines for children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
“Combination Vaccines.”
- Measles threat due to declining coverage
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2022. “Nearly 40 million children are dangerously susceptible to growing measles threat.”
- RSV risk in infants and young children
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2024. “RSV in Infants and Young Children.”
