Baby Vaccination Guide
Vaccines protect your baby from serious, preventable diseases. This guide covers the CDC recommended schedule for infants and toddlers.
Why Vaccinate?
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect your child's health. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific infections.
- Prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death
- Protect babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated
- Create community immunity to protect vulnerable populations
- Have eliminated or nearly eliminated many deadly diseases
CDC Vaccination Schedule
At Birth
- Hepatitis B (HepB) - 1st dose: Protects against liver infection
2 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB) - 2nd dose
- DTaP - 1st dose: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
- Hib - 1st dose: Haemophilus influenzae type b (meningitis)
- IPV - 1st dose: Polio
- PCV13 - 1st dose: Pneumococcal disease
- RV - 1st dose: Rotavirus (oral vaccine)
4 Months
- DTaP - 2nd dose
- Hib - 2nd dose
- IPV - 2nd dose
- PCV13 - 2nd dose
- RV - 2nd dose
6 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB) - 3rd dose (can be given 6-18 months)
- DTaP - 3rd dose
- Hib - 3rd dose (depending on brand)
- PCV13 - 3rd dose
- RV - 3rd dose (depending on brand)
- Flu - annual: Start at 6 months, then every year
12-15 Months
- Hib - 4th dose (12-15 months)
- PCV13 - 4th dose (12-15 months)
- MMR - 1st dose: Measles, mumps, rubella
- Varicella - 1st dose: Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A - 1st dose (12-23 months)
15-18 Months
- DTaP - 4th dose
18-23 Months
- Hepatitis A - 2nd dose (at least 6 months after 1st)
What Each Vaccine Prevents
Hepatitis B
Liver infection that can become chronic and lead to liver damage or cancer.
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
Diphtheria: Throat infection that can cause breathing problems.
Tetanus: Causes painful muscle stiffness (lockjaw).
Pertussis: Whooping cough, especially dangerous for infants.
Hib
Bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections.
IPV (Polio)
Can cause paralysis and death. Nearly eradicated thanks to vaccination.
PCV13 (Pneumococcal)
Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
RV (Rotavirus)
Prevents severe diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to hospitalization.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Prevents three viral diseases that can cause serious complications.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Prevents chickenpox and later shingles.
After Vaccination: What to Expect
Common, normal reactions include:
- Redness, swelling, or soreness at injection site
- Mild fever (under 102°F/38.9°C)
- Fussiness or irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness
These typically resolve within 1-2 days. You can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort.
When to Call the Doctor
- Fever over 104°F (40°C)
- Crying for more than 3 hours
- Seizure
- Severe swelling at injection site
- Signs of allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing)
Tips for Vaccination Day
- Dress baby in loose clothing for easy access to thighs
- Bring a comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket
- Breastfeed or give sugar water during/after injection for comfort
- Stay calm—babies pick up on parent anxiety
- Distract with songs or toys during the shot
- Cuddle immediately after for comfort