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Vaccinations are vital for your baby’s health and well-being. They provide immunity from many harmful diseases. Before vaccines were introduced, these diseases affected hundreds of thousands of Americans (often babies and children) — sometimes with serious illness, lifelong side effects, and even death. Routine vaccination has saved thousands of lives every year in our country.
Several major health organizations have agreed on the best vaccine schedule for children. Premature babies have the same schedule, although some vaccines, like the one for hepatitis B, might be delayed.
Kaiser Permanente doctors recommend this vaccine schedule to parents-to-be. This approach is supported by strong, long-standing evidence showing it protects newborns when they’re most vulnerable. If you have concerns or preferences, talk to your doctor. Together, you can have a plan in place before your baby arrives.
Immunization safety
Many parents worry about vaccine safety. That’s normal. Keep in mind that vaccines are very safe. There’s usually no reason to postpone or avoid vaccines. While it’s fine to take a moment to consider your options, we strongly recommend staying on schedule whenever possible. Delaying vaccines increases your child’s risk of serious, preventable infections.
You can work with your care team to create a safe and timely plan that protects your child — while addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Serious side effects to vaccines are very rare. In fact, most children only have mild reactions, such as:
- Soreness or mild swelling at the injection site
- Fussiness or irritability
- Mild fever
If you have any concerns about your child’s recommended vaccines, talk to your doctor.
Types of immunizations
Many vaccines are given in combination shots. This reduces the number of times your baby will get a needle prick.
Hepatitis B
This shot protects against Hepatitis B, a serious liver disease. The vaccine is given in 3 doses, starting with 1 shortly after birth in the hospital. The other doses are given between 6 to 15 months.
Polio
It’s important to protect your baby against polio. It's a disease that affects the central nervous system. All infants get 4 doses: at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months.
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTap / Tdap)
These vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). Young children should get a dose of the DTaP vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years. Children who are 11 to 12 should also get a dose of the Tdap vaccine, which is made to protect children of this age.
Haemophilus influenzae type B
Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib, causes pneumonia or meningitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection of the tissues that cover the brain. These bacteria may also cause serious skin and bone infections.
Children need 3 or 4 doses of the Hib vaccine starting when they’re 2 months old. The vaccine series is finished by the time they're 15 months old.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
Pneumococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause ear, blood, and lung infections, and meningitis. Each child gets 4 doses of the PVC13 vaccine: at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months.
Rotavirus
Infection with rotavirus may lead to serious diarrhea and even severe dehydration. You can protect your child with the rotavirus vaccine, which is given by mouth, in 2 or 3 doses. Your baby will get these shots by the time they're 6 months old.
Influenza
Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu shots are different each year. Everyone 6 months or older should get an annual flu shot. Children under 9 years need 2 doses the first year they get the vaccine, so they'll have an immune response that will protect them. Children 9 or older only need one dose.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a serious disease that affects the liver. Starting at one, children get 2 doses of this vaccine at least 6 months apart.
Measles, mumps, rubella
The MMR vaccination protects against 3 diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. They're a group of infectious diseases that can cause fever, rash, and sometimes serious complications such as brain damage or birth defects. All children get 2 doses: the first at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years. It may be combined with the chickenpox vaccine in a combination MMRV shot.
If there's a measles or mumps outbreak in your community, your child may need an additional dose.
Chickenpox
The varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine protects against chickenpox. Babies should get the vaccine after their first birthday. They'll get one shot between 12 and 15 months, and a second when they're 4 to 6 years old. If they've had chickenpox before they've received the vaccine, then they don't need to get the vaccination.
The chickenpox vaccine may be given separately or may be given as part of the combination vaccine, MMRV, which protects against chickenpox as well as measles, mumps, and rubella.
Meningococcal ACWY
Meningococcus, also called Neisseria meningitidis, is a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis, sepsis, arthritis, and other severe infections, especially in teenagers and young adults. The first dose is routinely given at 11 to 12 years, and the second dose is given at 16.
Children as young as 2 months who have conditions that put them at higher risk, including asplenia, sickle cell disease, HIV infection, and people with complement deficiencies can also get the vaccine.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a virus transmitted through sexual contact that can cause cancers, including of the cervix, anus, and throat. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. It can be given at 9 years (usually 11 or 12 years) and is recommended for everyone through 26 years. The vaccine is administered in 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart.
COVID-19
Everyone 6 months and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective — and provides the best protection against the virus for both you and your baby. Vaccination of pregnant people builds antibodies that can be passed to the baby, and those antibodies might protect against COVID-19.1
Visit our COVID-19 vaccination page for up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
Other immunizations
Some children are at higher risk for certain health problems and might benefit from other vaccines. Ask your care team if your child needs any additional vaccines.
Keeping immunization records
Accurate immunization records help you keep track of your child’s health. Remember that many day cares and schools require proof of vaccinations. Your child might also need their complete vaccine record later in life.
At Kaiser Permanente, your child’s immunization record is kept on their electronic health record. You can easily access it at any time through kp.org.
Your child’s care team can review their vaccination records during office visits. It’s helpful to keep the printed records in a safe place, and not to throw them away.
You can keep track of when your child’s vaccines are scheduled through kp.org and the Kaiser Permanente app. You can also use calendar reminders to help you stay on track. You may also choose to get email or text message reminders from your doctor's office for when your child’s vaccinations are due.