The Vaccination Schedule Reference provides an interactive timeline of recommended childhood vaccinations based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines are one of the most important ways to protect your child from serious diseases. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific infections before your child is exposed to them.
Benefits of Following the Schedule:
- Protection during the most vulnerable early years
- Prevention of outbreaks in the community
- Reduced risk of serious complications from diseases
- Required for school entry in most regions
Key Vaccination Milestones
- Birth: Hepatitis B (1st dose)
- 2 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus
- 6 months: Additional doses + Flu vaccine
- 12 months: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A
- 4-6 years: Booster doses before school
Understanding the Schedule
This calculator generates a personalized vaccination timeline based on your child’s date of birth, showing:
- Which vaccines are recommended at each age
- Specific dates when vaccines are due
- Catch-up schedule if vaccines were delayed
- Optional vs. required vaccines
Important: This is a reference tool based on standard schedules. Your pediatrician may recommend a modified schedule based on your child’s health, medical history, travel plans, or local regulations. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. Serious side effects are rare. Common mild reactions include:
- Soreness at injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Mild fussiness
These typically resolve within a few days. Contact your doctor if your child has a high fever, severe allergic reaction, or concerning symptoms.
What This Means
The recommended vaccination schedule is designed to provide protection when children are most vulnerable to certain diseases. Here's what you need to know:
How Vaccines Work:
Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated parts of a disease-causing organism. When given, they teach your child's immune system to recognize and fight that disease without causing illness.
Why This Schedule?
The timing is based on:
- When children are most vulnerable to certain diseases
- When the immune system responds best to vaccines
- Optimal spacing between doses for maximum effectiveness
- Decades of research on safety and efficacy
Common Childhood Vaccines:
Birth to 6 Months:
- Hepatitis B (3 doses)
- DTaP - Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (3 doses)
- Hib - Haemophilus influenzae type b (3-4 doses)
- IPV - Polio (3 doses)
- PCV - Pneumococcal (3 doses)
- Rotavirus (2-3 doses, oral)
6 to 18 Months:
- Influenza (annually, starting at 6 months)
- MMR - Measles, Mumps, Rubella (12-15 months)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) (12-15 months)
- Hepatitis A (2 doses starting at 12 months)
4 to 6 Years (Before School):
- DTaP booster
- IPV booster
- MMR booster
- Varicella booster
Catch-Up Schedules:
If your child missed vaccines, a catch-up schedule ensures they're protected. Your doctor can create a personalized catch-up plan.
Side Effects:
Most side effects are mild and temporary:
- Soreness, redness at injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Fussiness or tiredness
Serious side effects are very rare. Severe allergic reactions occur in about 1 in 1 million doses.
Vaccine Safety:
- Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval
- Continuous monitoring for safety after approval
- Benefits far outweigh minimal risks
- Have prevented millions of deaths worldwide
Contraindications:
Some children shouldn't receive certain vaccines:
- Severe allergic reaction to previous dose
- Severe immunodeficiency
- Some specific medical conditions
Your pediatrician will screen for contraindications before vaccinating.