The CDC vaccine schedule outlines the recommended immunizations for children from birth through age 18 and for adults, including timing, dose counts, and who needs each vaccine. Staying current with immunizations is one of the most effective public health measures available, protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases.
Reference only — verify at cdc.gov/vaccines. CDC schedules are updated annually. Discuss your personal immunization plan with your healthcare provider. This tool does not constitute medical advice.
Childhood Immunization Timeline
| Vaccine | Birth | 1 mo | 2 mo | 4 mo | 6 mo | 12 mo | 15 mo | 18 mo | 4–6 yr | 11–12 yr | 16 yr |
|---|
Filled dot = recommended dose. Striped = range window. Annual flu vaccine recommended every year from 6 months onward.
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How to Use the CDC Vaccine Schedule Reference
This vaccine schedule reference puts the CDC's recommended immunization schedules for children and adults in one searchable, easy-to-read format. Use the tabs to switch between the childhood (0–18), adult, and pregnancy schedules, and expand any vaccine card to see full dose details, common side effects, and contraindication notes.
Step 1: Choose a schedule tab
At the top of the tool, select Childhood (0–18) for pediatric vaccines, Adult (19+) for adult immunizations, or Pregnancy for vaccines recommended or contraindicated during pregnancy. The childhood schedule also shows an interactive age-group timeline at the top of the page.
Step 2: Search or filter by age group
Type any vaccine name — such as "MMR", "flu", "HPV", or "hepatitis" — into the search box to filter the list instantly. On the childhood schedule, you can also click an age-group button (Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age, or Preteen/Teen) to narrow the list to vaccines relevant to that age range. Search and age filters work together.
Step 3: Expand a vaccine card for full details
Click any vaccine row to expand it. The expanded card shows the full vaccine name, the disease(s) it prevents, number of doses, complete timing schedule, who needs it, common side effects, and key contraindications. Use this information to prepare for a healthcare visit or to understand your child's upcoming vaccination appointments.
Understanding the childhood vaccine timeline
The visual timeline at the top of the childhood schedule shows each vaccine as a dot in the column corresponding to each recommended dose. Some vaccines appear in multiple columns because they require a primary series. For example, the DTaP vaccine shows dots at 2, 4, 6, and 15–18 months, plus 4–6 years for the booster. Influenza is listed separately as it is recommended every year from age 6 months onward.
Childhood vs. adult vaccine priorities
The childhood CDC vaccine schedule focuses on building immunity early in life, when the risk of severe disease from preventable infections is highest. Infants receive the bulk of their primary series in the first six months of life. The adult schedule focuses on catch-up (for those who missed childhood doses), ongoing protection (annual influenza and Td/Tdap boosters), and age-related risk (Shingrix at 50+, pneumococcal at 65+, RSV at 60+). Adults with chronic conditions, weakened immune systems, or occupational exposures may need additional vaccines beyond the standard schedule.
Vaccines during pregnancy
Certain vaccines are specifically recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the newborn. The Tdap vaccine is given at 27–36 weeks to pass whooping cough antibodies to the baby before birth. Influenza vaccine is safe and recommended during any trimester. The RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is recommended at 32–36 weeks gestation. Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella are contraindicated during pregnancy but are recommended immediately after delivery if needed.
Important caveats about this reference
The CDC updates its immunization schedules annually — typically in February. Individual circumstances such as allergies, prior illness, immunocompromised status, or missed doses may require a modified catch-up schedule. Always confirm the most current recommendations at cdc.gov/vaccines and consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before making vaccination decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this vaccine schedule reference free to use?
Yes, this CDC vaccine schedule reference tool is completely free. It runs entirely in your browser with no signup, no account, and no data sent to any server. All information is based on published CDC immunization schedules.
Is this data from the CDC?
Yes, the schedule data is based on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommended immunization schedules. However, this tool is for educational reference only. Always verify the current schedule at cdc.gov/vaccines and consult your healthcare provider, as CDC recommendations are updated annually.
Which vaccines does every child need?
The CDC recommends a core series of vaccines for all children including Hepatitis B, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), IPV (polio), Hib, PCV (pneumococcal), MMR, Varicella, and annual Influenza vaccines. Most are completed by age 6, with boosters and new vaccines added through age 18. HPV and Meningococcal vaccines are added at 11-12 years.
Which vaccines do adults need?
All adults need annual influenza vaccine and a Td/Tdap booster every 10 years. Adults 50+ should get the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine. Adults 65+ need a pneumococcal vaccine. Depending on risk factors, adults may also need Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, or varicella vaccines if they lack prior immunity. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended annually for all adults.
What is the HPV vaccine schedule?
The HPV vaccine is recommended at age 11-12 but can be given as early as age 9. If the series starts before age 15, only 2 doses are needed (given 6-12 months apart). If started at age 15 or older, 3 doses are required. The vaccine is recommended through age 26 for everyone, with shared decision-making for adults ages 27-45.
Why does the rotavirus vaccine have 2 or 3 doses?
The number of rotavirus doses depends on which brand is used. RotaTeq (RV5) requires 3 doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months. Rotarix (RV1) requires only 2 doses given at 2 and 4 months. Your pediatrician will use whichever formulation is available. Both brands are equally effective at preventing severe rotavirus disease.
Can this tool replace my doctor's vaccination advice?
No. This tool is for educational reference only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Vaccine schedules can change, individual medical history may alter recommendations, and catch-up schedules exist for missed doses. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized immunization guidance.
What vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?
The CDC recommends all pregnant people receive the Tdap vaccine (ideally between 27-36 weeks gestation) to protect newborns from whooping cough, and an annual influenza vaccine. RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is recommended at 32-36 weeks gestation. COVID-19 vaccination is also recommended during pregnancy. Certain other vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy — always consult your OB provider.