Immunizations by Age: Understanding Your Child's Vaccine Schedule

At Pomona Valley Health Centers, we’re here to help parents stay on track with the latest childhood vaccine schedule and support your family’s health every step of the way.

Why Childhood Vaccinations Matter

Vaccines provide long-lasting protection against infectious diseases, potentially preventing serious illness, disability, and even death throughout a child’s life. Here’s why understanding when to get childhood vaccines is essential and why staying on schedule matters.

• Protecting Against Serious Illnesses
  Vaccines prepare the body’s immune system to recognize and fight off disease-causing organisms without causing the illness itself. How? They introduce a weakened or inactive version of the pathogen, which helps the body produce antibodies and immune cells, preparing for a quick immune response if your child does encounter the disease.
• Supporting Community Immunity (Herd Immunity)
  Vaccines create a barrier of protection against the spread of infectious diseases. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, it becomes very difficult for the disease to spread and infect those who are not vaccinated or are unable to be vaccinated. This indirect protection is called herd immunity.
• Ensuring School and Daycare Readiness
  California requires that children attending public and private schools, daycare centers, family day care homes, and other pre-kindergarten facilities be fully immunized for certain infectious diseases. Specific requirements vary but typically include polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and chickenpox (varicella).

Here is the latest 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunizations by age for healthy children in the U.S., based on the official “Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age” (updated May 29, 2025).

Childhood Vaccine Schedule by Age

Birth to 6 Months: Building Protection

• At birth: Hepatitis B (HepB) (first dose)
• 1-2 months: HepB (second dose)
• 2 months: Rotavirus, DTaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough), Hib, PCV, Polio (IPV)
• 4 months: Repeat the same set as at 2 months
• 6 months: DTaP #2, Hib, PCV, IPV, seasonal influenza (starts here and then is needed every year), and optional COVID-19

6 to 18 Months: Boosters, MMR, and Chickenpox

• 6-12 months: HepB (third dose)
• 12-15 months: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis A (first dose), and boosters for DTaP (third dose), Hib, and PCV
• 15-18 months: DTaP (fourth dose), Hepatitis A (second dose)

2 to 3 Years

• No routine immunizations required, but catch-up on doses as needed.
• Annual flu shot

4 to 6 Years: School Entry Boosters

• DTaP (final dose #5), Polio (final dose #4), MMR #2, and Varicella #2
• Annual flu shot

7 to 10 Years

• No routine immunizations required, but catch-up doses as needed.
• Annual flu shot

11-12 Years

• Tdap booster (for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough)
• HPV (2-dose series)
• Meningococcal (MenACWY)
• Annual flu shot

13 to 18 Years: Final Boosters Before Adulthood

• Meningococcal booster (MenACWY) at age 16, optional Meningococcal B (MenB), and complete HPV (if not already completed)
• Annual flu shot

Knowing what to expect at your child’s vaccine appointment can make the experience less stressful for you and smoother for your child.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Vaccine Appointment

Comforting Your Child Before and After Shots

Your child may feel anxious or worried before an immunization appointment, especially as they grow older and become more aware. Consider bringing a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or book, and talk through what to expect to help calm their nerves.

Managing Minor Side Effects

Your family medicine and pediatric doctor will let you know which symptoms to watch for, when to seek urgent care, and advise which symptoms are common and not an immediate cause for worry.

Many childhood vaccinations may cause mild side effects, like soreness at the injection site, drowsiness, and a low-grade fever. These symptoms usually subside within a day or two and can be managed safely with over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, if needed.

If your child is experiencing a severe reaction to a recent immunization, seek immediate care at your nearest PVHC urgent care center. Be sure to bring a copy of your kid’s vaccine schedule or the name and phone number of your doctor.

Keeping a Vaccination Record

Your family medicine and pediatric doctor will keep a detailed vaccination record to ensure your child receives their immunizations as recommended by CDC guidelines.

If your child receives vaccinations at another medical facility (e.g., urgent care or pharmacy), be sure to let your doctor’s office know so they can keep the childhood immunization chart up to date and make any needed adjustments to your child’s vaccine schedule.

Common Questions from Parents

Are Vaccines Safe for Children?

Yes. All vaccines recommended by the CDC have gone through extensive testing and are continuously monitored for safety and efficacy. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risk of mild side effects.

What If We Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, it’s not a problem. You will not need to restart the entire vaccine series. You can work with your family medicine and pediatric doctor to create a catch-up schedule to get your child back on track safely.

Can My Child Get Multiple Shots at Once?

Yes. Babies and young children often receive multiple vaccinations at a single visit to stay on schedule. If you’re worried about potential side effects or would like to space out shots, talk to your family medicine and pediatric doctor about options that work with your family.

Partnering with Pomona Valley Health Centers

Comprehensive Pediatric Care

Our experienced pediatric care team is board-certified in family medicine with pediatric expertise. We are ready to guide you and your family through every immunization, illness, injury, and beyond.

Convenient Vaccine Appointments

We offer flexible scheduling and locations, allowing you to keep up with your child’s immunization schedule without added stress or worry.

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