Check This List for the Shots Kids May Need

August 9, 2022 by Sidney Health Center

Not sure what vaccines your kids need during their wellness exam? Here's what to expect.

Vaccines have been around since the late 18^th century, protecting infants, children and adults from serious infectious diseases. The majority of parents in the U.S. vaccinate their children according to recommended schedules. Pediatricians typically inform parents of what vaccines should be administered when. It's also helpful for parents to have a checklist of the vaccines children should get—and when they should get them. This helps parents better manage their children's health, especially if they change doctors or don't take their children for routine exams.

Below is a recommended list of vaccines and timing for children from birth to 18 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This list is just a recommendation. Exceptions to the timing or number of doses for any particular vaccine should be discussed with a doctor. If certain vaccines have not been given to date, your doctor may recommend a make-up schedule of shots to make sure your child is protected.

Hepatitis B (HepB): 3 doses

Birth
1-2 months
6-18 months

Rotavirus (RV): 3 doses

2 months
4 months
6 months

Tetanus, Diphtheria & Acellular Pertussis (Tdap): 6 doses

2 months
4 months
6 months
15-18 months
4-6 years
11-12 years

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): 4 doses

2 months
4 months
6 months
12-15 months

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): 4 doses

2 months
4 months
6 months
12-15 months

Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): 4 doses

2 months
4 months
6-18 months
4-6 years

Influenza (IIV4): yearly

Beginning at 6 months and older (2 doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended for children 6 months-8 years who are getting an influenza vaccine for the first time)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 doses

12-15 months
4-6 years

Varicella (VAR): 2 doses

12-15 months
4-6 years

Hepatitis A (HepA): 2 doses

12-23 months
6 months after the first dose

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): 2 or 3 doses

11-12 years (2 shot series)
If started at 15 years or older (3 shot series)

Meningococcal (MenACWY): 1 shot plus booster

11-12 years
Booster at 16-18 years

Meningococcal B (MenB): 1 dose

Age 10 and older at increased risk or age 16-18 not at increased risk may be vaccinated

COVID-19: 2 or 3 doses

Currently recommended for children ages 6 months and older (Pfizer and Moderna only) – the number of doses and the schedule is dependent on the age of the child

Talk with your child's physician or advanced practice provider for more information on getting up to date on immunizations. To schedule an appointment with a Sidney Health Center Primary Care physician or advanced practice provider, call the clinic receptionist at 406-488-2510 or visit the Sidney Health Center website at sidneyhealth.org for a complete listing of services offered across the continuum of care.