Vaccination Schedule by Age
Quick answer: Routine vaccination schedules vary by country. This guide summarizes the schedules recommended by major health authorities (CDC, NHS, ECDC) for childhood and adult vaccinations. Local schedules may vary — check with your healthcare provider.
Childhood vaccination schedule (typical)
| Age | Vaccines typically given |
|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B (1st dose) |
| 2 months | DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, Rotavirus, HepB |
| 4 months | DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, Rotavirus |
| 6 months | DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, Rotavirus, HepB, annual flu starts |
| 12-15 months | MMR (1st), Varicella (1st), HepA, Hib booster, PCV13 booster |
| 4-6 years | DTaP booster, IPV, MMR (2nd), Varicella (2nd) |
| 11-12 years | Tdap, HPV (2-3 doses), MenACWY |
| 16-18 years | MenACWY booster, MenB (depending on country) |
Adult vaccination recommendations
- Annual: Influenza (everyone over 6 months)
- Every 10 years: Tdap booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Age 50+: Shingles (Zoster) — 2-dose series
- Age 65+: Pneumococcal (PCV15/20 + PPSV23 sequence)
- Pregnant women: Tdap each pregnancy (preferably 27-36 weeks), influenza if season overlaps, RSV (newer recommendation)
- HPV: Recommended through age 26 (sometimes through 45 with shared decision-making)
Sources
Schedule reflects synthesis of CDC ACIP, NHS UK, and ECDC recommendations. Country-specific schedules may differ — always check your national immunization schedule via your healthcare provider or national health authority website.
Frequently asked questions
Why do vaccines need boosters?
Immunity from some vaccines wanes over time. Boosters renew protective antibody levels and immune memory. The interval between boosters reflects how long protection lasts (e.g., Tdap every 10 years for tetanus protection).
Are catch-up vaccinations possible if my child missed some?
Yes. Standard catch-up schedules exist for children who started late or missed doses. Most vaccines do not require restarting the series — pick up where you left off. Discuss with your pediatrician for a personalized catch-up plan.
Can I get multiple vaccines in one visit?
Yes. The childhood schedule routinely combines multiple vaccines per visit. Co-administration is safe and effective — there is no evidence that multiple vaccines overload the immune system. Combination vaccines (DTaP, MMR) reduce injection count.
What if I'm not sure which vaccines I've had?
If immunization records are unavailable, options include: (1) catch-up immunization based on age, (2) titer testing for some vaccines (MMR, hepatitis B, varicella) to check for existing immunity. Most adults benefit from at least Tdap, annual flu, and age-appropriate vaccines.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.