Why are timely vaccinations important? Childhood vaccinations are scheduled and vaccines are administered when young bodies require immediate protection or need to build immunity for diseases and illnesses we may encounter throughout our lives. Delaying recommended vaccinations puts children at higher risk for diseases that can affect them more harshly, like pertussis (whooping cough), which is especially dangerous for babies.
Vaccinations save the lives of 1,000s of children (and adults) every year
Vaccinations protect us from illnesses that can lead to cancer, hospital stays, life-long health issues & even death
Vaccinations help protect those who receive the vaccines and, through herd immunity, also help protect the unvaccinated and seniors whose immunity may have waned.
What’s the recommended vaccine schedule for children?
In the U.S., we follow the CDC’s vaccine schedule for children and teens up to 18 years of age. The schedule also provides notes regarding missed or late vaccine doses and how to properly “catch-up.” If your child is missing one of the vaccinations listed below, is not quite on-schedule with the recommended timeline or you have any questions regarding vaccines or timings, please reach out to your child’s provider.
Vaccine Schedule Birth to 4 Years:
Birth – First vaccine for hepatitis B and may receive respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)* vaccine
2, 4 & 6 months of age – Vaccines/boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (DTaP), polio (IPV), haemophilus influenza type B (HiB), pneumonia, hepatitis B and rotavirus
6 months to 4 years of age – COVID-19 vaccine, 1-2 doses*
1 year of age – First dose of measles, mumps, rubella with varicella for chicken pox (MMRV) vaccine and boosters for hepatitis A, HiB and pneumonia
15 months of age – 4th dose of DTaP
18 months of age – 2nd dose of hepatitis A
4 years of age – Final dose of MMRV, TDaP and IPV vaccines
*Conditions apply. See your child’s provider.
Vaccine Schedule 5 Years & Older:
CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommend the following vaccine schedule for children as they grow:
Prior to starting middle school – TDaP and meningitis vaccines/boosters
9-12 years of age – AAP suggests children (and those up to 26 years of age who have not been adequately vaccinated) receive the HPV vaccine to help protect against developing certain cancers as adults
Children up to 18 years of age & adults – COVID-19 vaccines are recommended, especially for those with medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes
Many parents worry about side effects like pain and fever for their children after getting vaccinations. Studies have shown that giving Tylenol prior to vaccines can decrease their effectiveness. That’s why providers recommend parents and caregivers wait until after vaccines are administered before giving Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and then only if symptoms develop.
Do vaccinations wear off?
Many vaccinations provide life-long immunity while others may wear off over time. Vaccines are given to children when they are at most risk for contracting diseases as well as when they are at the highest risk of severe complications from a disease. So even if immunity fades over time, it is important receive vaccinations on time to protect children during these high-risk windows.
Doctor's Advice:
A child receiving a vaccination can feel scary for some parents — and misinformation online can make things confusing.
What Parents Should Do:
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider. Ask questions and share any concerns you have about vaccines.
Rely on trusted medical guidance. Social media and internet sources may spread misinformation.
Remember the shared goal. Providers and parents alike want children to be as healthy as possible — and vaccines are a key part of that.
In 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
As the back-to-school season approaches, ensuring your child is ready for a successful academic year goes beyond school supplies and new clothes. It's also the perfect time to prioritize their health by ensuring they're up-to-date on essential vaccinations, including the HPV vaccine. We talked to Renown Pediatrician Dr. Kristin Wilson, to learn more about HPV and the importance of getting your child fully vaccinated.
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