The U.S. Centers for Disease (CDC) control has set up recommended schedules for immunizations in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. See the end of this article for links to the recommended immunization schedules for each age group. Most children born in the United States are vaccinated against many diseases in the weeks and months after their birth. These recommendations may change from year to year so make sure to check with your doctor or the CDC’s website for updates.

The CDC recommends the following vaccination schedule for children in the early years of life:

• Hepatitis B vaccine: Three doses, once at birth, again at 1-2 months of age, and again between 6-18 months.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, (DTaP) vaccine: Five doses, one at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age, then once between the ages of 12-18 months, and a final dose between the ages of 4-6 years.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine: Four doses, one each at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age, then a final dose between the ages of 12-15 months.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Four doses, one each at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age, then a final dose between the ages of 12-15 months. An additional dose may be required for certain high risk children between the ages of 2-6 years.
• Polio vaccine: Four doses, one each at 2 and 4 months of age, another dose between the ages of 6-18 months, and a final dose between ages 4-6 years.
• Influenza vaccine: Should be given annually starting at 6 months and ending at 5 years of age.
• Varicella vaccine: Two doses, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years of age.
• Hepatitis A vaccine: Two doses between the ages of 12-23 months spaced at least 6 months apart. Additional doses may be required for children in certain high risk groups.
• Meningococcal vaccine: recommended between the ages of 2-6 for children in certain high risk groups.

For pre-teens and adolescents aged 7-18 years, the CDC recommends the following:

• Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine (Tdap; a different version of the vaccine than for infants) or diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccine: One dose at age 11-12 years.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (recommended for all girls): Three doses, given between the ages of 11-12 years.
• Meningococcal vaccine: One dose between the ages of 11-12 years.