Vaccination schedules organize recommended doses by age. They vary by country, product, and individual health needs.
This guide gives you a general overview of what to expect in the first year. Always confirm specific dates and vaccines with your child's official immunization record and healthcare provider.
Why schedules differ
Countries adapt schedules to local disease patterns, vaccine products, and public health recommendations. The US CDC, UK NHS, and Australian NIP all have slightly different timelines and combinations.
Even within a country, schedules may be adjusted based on new research, vaccine availability, or emerging disease threats. Combination vaccines (which protect against multiple diseases in one shot) can also change the number of visits needed.
Your clinic's schedule is the authoritative source for your child. Use online tools to prepare questions, not to replace professional guidance.
Birth to 2 months
At birth, babies typically receive the Hepatitis B vaccine (first dose). This protects against a liver infection that can be passed from mother to baby.
At the 2-month visit, babies usually receive a larger set of vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (polio), PCV (pneumococcal), and RV (rotavirus). These protect against serious diseases that are most dangerous in infancy.
The 2-month visit is often the first time parents see multiple shots. It is normal to feel anxious, but these vaccines protect against diseases that can be life-threatening for young babies.
4 months to 6 months
At 4 months, second doses of the same vaccines given at 2 months are administered. These booster doses strengthen the immune response and are essential for full protection.
At 6 months, third doses of DTaP, Hib, PCV, and RV are given, along with the annual influenza vaccine (first dose). The Hepatitis B series may also be completed around this time.
The flu vaccine requires two doses in the first season (given 4 weeks apart), then one dose annually thereafter.
How to use a schedule page
Use an online schedule page to prepare questions for your next visit, understand what each vaccine protects against, and track what is coming up. Then confirm due dates with the official record used by your clinic.
Keep your child's immunization card or record in a safe place. You will need it for childcare enrollment, school registration, and sometimes travel.
If you have questions about vaccine safety, side effects, or timing, write them down and bring them to your appointment. Healthcare providers welcome informed questions.
If a dose is late
A delayed dose does not usually mean starting the series over. Most vaccines have catch-up schedules that allow you to get back on track without repeating doses.
Common reasons for delays include illness, travel, vaccine shortages, or simply missing an appointment. Contact your clinic as soon as possible to reschedule.
The most important thing is to complete all recommended doses. Even if the timing is not perfect, protection is much better than skipping vaccines entirely.
Questions parents ask
Can my baby get sick from vaccines?
Mild reactions like low fever, fussiness, or soreness at the injection site are common and show the immune system is responding. Serious reactions are very rare. The diseases vaccines prevent are far more dangerous than the vaccines themselves.
What if we miss a scheduled appointment?
Contact your clinic to reschedule as soon as possible. Most vaccines do not need to be restarted; you simply continue from where you left off with a catch-up schedule.
Are combination vaccines safe?
Yes. Combination vaccines (like MMR or DTaP) have been extensively studied and are as safe as giving the vaccines separately. They reduce the number of injections your baby needs.
Do premature babies follow the same schedule?
Yes. Premature babies should receive vaccines based on chronological age (time since birth), not corrected age. In fact, premature babies may benefit more from timely vaccination due to their increased vulnerability.