Vaccination Calendar

View the recommended childhood vaccination schedule from birth through 6 years. Based on the CDC 2025-2026 immunization schedule.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — 2025-2026
Legend:Tier 1 — All childrenTier 2 — High-riskTier 3 — Shared decisionConditional
VaccineBirth1 mo2 mo4 mo6 mo9 mo12-15 mo15-18 mo19-23 mo2-3 yr4-6 yr
HepBRisk†‡
Rotavirus (RV)SCDM§
DTaPAll
HibAll
PCV15 / PCV20All
IPV (Polio)All#
InfluenzaSCDMAnnual (starting at 6 months)
MMRAll
VaricellaAll
HepARisk∇
RSV (nirsevimab)Risk◊
COVID-19SCDMAvailable from 6 months (SCDM)

Notes

†HepB birth dose: Under the January 2026 restructuring, recommended only for infants born to HBsAg-positive or HBsAg-unknown mothers (Tier 2). For HBsAg-negative mothers, first dose suggested at 2 months.

‡HepB Dose 3: given at 6–18 months. Minimum age for final dose is 24 weeks.

§Rotavirus: RV5 (RotaTeq) = 3 doses at 2, 4, 6 months. RV1 (Rotarix) = 2 doses at 2, 4 months. Must start by 14 weeks, 6 days; final dose by 8 months, 0 days.

Hib: Dose 3 at 6 months needed for ActHIB, Hiberix, Pentacel, Vaxelis (4-dose series). PedvaxHIB uses a 3-dose series (2, 4 mo, then booster at 12–15 mo).

#IPV Dose 3: can be given at 6–18 months. Final dose (Dose 4) must be at ≥4 years and ≥6 months after the previous dose.

∇HepA: 2-dose series beginning at 12–23 months with a minimum 6-month interval between doses.

◊RSV/nirsevimab: 1 dose for infants entering their first RSV season. A second dose at 8–19 months is available for high-risk children.

Important

This vaccination calendar is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized vaccination guidance. Vaccine schedules may be updated — check with your provider for the latest recommendations.

Understanding the CDC Childhood Immunization Schedule

The CDC childhood immunization schedule outlines the recommended vaccines for children from birth through 6 years of age. In January 2026, the CDC reorganized vaccine recommendations into a three-tier system, changing how certain vaccines are categorized.

Tier 1 vaccines (DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV, MMR, Varicella) are recommended for all children. Tier 2 vaccines (HepB, HepA, RSV) are recommended for high-risk groups. Tier 3 vaccines (Rotavirus, Influenza, COVID-19) fall under shared clinical decision-making between families and providers.

Why Vaccination Timing Matters

Vaccines are scheduled at specific ages because that's when children are most vulnerable to certain diseases and when their immune systems respond best. Delaying vaccines leaves children unprotected during the period of highest risk. If your child has missed doses, talk to your pediatrician about catch-up schedules — a vaccine series never needs to be restarted.

Talking to Your Pediatrician

Your child's pediatrician is the best resource for vaccination decisions. They can explain which vaccines are recommended for your child's specific situation, address concerns about safety and side effects, and help you stay on schedule. All vaccines on this calendar remain covered by insurance without cost-sharing regardless of tier classification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the three tiers mean in the CDC schedule?
In January 2026, the CDC reorganized vaccines into three tiers. Tier 1 vaccines are recommended for all children. Tier 2 vaccines are recommended for children in high-risk groups. Tier 3 vaccines involve shared clinical decision-making between families and healthcare providers. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend all vaccines for all children.
What happens if my child misses a scheduled vaccine dose?
A vaccine series never needs to be restarted regardless of time elapsed between doses. Your pediatrician can create a catch-up schedule. Doses given up to 4 days before the minimum age are considered valid.
Are childhood vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval and continue to be monitored for safety. Side effects are typically mild (soreness at injection site, low-grade fever). Serious side effects are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Can my child receive multiple vaccines at the same visit?
Yes. Receiving multiple vaccines at one visit is safe and effective. Combination vaccines (like Vaxelis or Pentacel) reduce the number of shots while providing the same protection. This approach is well-studied and recommended by the CDC and AAP.
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