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.