Early Childhood Vaccine Guide: Complete Schedule for Years 1-2
Keeping track of your child's vaccination schedule can feel overwhelming, especially during the first few years when vaccines are most frequent. This guide consolidates all recommended vaccines from birth through age three into one printable reference, helping you stay organized and informed.
Below you'll find the complete CDC-recommended vaccination schedule, along with practical tips for preparation and aftercare. Remember that while this schedule represents standard recommendations, your pediatrician may customize timing based on your child's specific needs.
Understanding Recommended Vaccines
Each vaccine in the recommended schedule has been thoroughly tested and has decades of safety data. Here's what each vaccine protects against and how long it has been safely used:
- DTaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Five total doses needed, with four in the first three years. The combined DTaP vaccine was approved in 1997, while its individual components have been used since the 1940s.
- Hib: Prevents Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause meningitis. Four doses total. First licensed in 1985, it has reduced Hib disease by 99% in the United States.
- IPV: Protects against polio. Four doses total, with three in the first two years. The current inactivated version (IPV) has been used since 1987, building on the original polio vaccine from 1955 that helped eliminate polio in the U.S.
- PCV13: Prevents pneumococcal disease. Four doses total. Introduced in 2010, replacing the earlier PCV7 version from 2000. Has prevented thousands of serious infections annually.
- RV: Protects against rotavirus. Two or three doses, depending on brand. Current versions were approved in 2006 and 2008, dramatically reducing severe diarrheal illness in infants.
- HepB: Prevents hepatitis B. Three doses total. In use since 1981, it was the first vaccine created specifically to prevent cancer (liver cancer).
- MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. First dose at 12-15 months. The combined vaccine has been used since 1971, with individual components dating back to the 1960s.
- Varicella: Prevents chickenpox. First dose at 12-15 months. Licensed in 1995, it has reduced chickenpox cases by over 90% in vaccinated populations.
- HepA: Prevents hepatitis A. Two doses, starting at 12 months. Approved in 1995, it has reduced hepatitis A infections by approximately 95% since introduction.
These vaccines have prevented millions of illnesses and continue to be monitored for safety through multiple tracking systems. The CDC and FDA continuously monitor vaccine safety through systems like VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) and the VSD (Vaccine Safety Datalink).
Complete Vaccine Schedule: Birth to Age 2
Print this comprehensive vaccine schedule to track your child's immunizations:
Birth to 2 Months
- □ Hepatitis B (HepB)First dose of 3 (at birth), second dose at 1-2 months
2 Months
- □ DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)First dose of 5
- □ Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)First dose of 4
- □ IPV (Polio)First dose of 4
- □ PCV13 (Pneumococcal)First dose of 4
- □ RV (Rotavirus)First dose of 2-3
4 Months
- □ DTaPSecond dose of 5
- □ HibSecond dose of 4
- □ IPVSecond dose of 4
- □ PCV13Second dose of 4
- □ RVSecond dose of 2-3
6 Months
- □ DTaPThird dose of 5
- □ HibThird dose of 4
- □ IPVThird dose of 4
- □ PCV13Third dose of 4
- □ RVThird dose of 2-3 (if needed)
- □ Influenza (Flu)First annual dose (during flu season)
- □ HepBThird dose of 3 (between 6-18 months)
12 Months
- □ MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)First dose of 2
- □ Varicella (Chickenpox)First dose of 2
- □ HepA (Hepatitis A)First dose of 2
15 Months
- □ DTaPFourth dose of 5
- □ HibFourth dose of 4
- □ PCV13Fourth dose of 4
18 Months
- □ HepASecond dose of 2 (6 months after first)
Annual Vaccines
- □ Influenza (Flu)Yearly during flu season (typically fall/winter)
This schedule follows CDC recommendations. Your pediatrician may adjust timing based on your child's specific needs and circumstances.
Preparing for Vaccine Visits
Before the Visit
- Review which vaccines are scheduled
- Dress your child in easily removable clothing
- Bring comfort items (favorite toy/blanket)
- Consider timing around naps/feeding
- Have acetaminophen/ibuprofen at home (check dosing with doctor)
During the Visit
- Hold your child in a comfort position
- Stay calm - your child responds to your emotions
- Distract with songs, toys, or feeding
- Ask questions about side effects to watch for
After the Visit
- Monitor injection sites for normal reactions
- Use cool compresses for discomfort
- Give approved pain relief if needed
- Schedule follow-up appointments
- Update your vaccine records
Common Side Effects and Management
Most vaccine reactions are mild and resolve within a few days:
- Soreness at injection site (12-24 hours)
- Mild fever (24-48 hours)
- Fussiness or irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness or increased sleeping
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Fever exceeds 102.2°F (39°C)
- Crying is excessive or unusual
- Injection site shows signs of infection
- Symptoms persist beyond 72 hours
Keeping Track
Stay organized with these tracking methods:
- Keep a digital or physical vaccine record card
- Take photos of vaccine records
- Use your state's immunization registry
- Set calendar reminders for upcoming doses
- Request records from your healthcare provider
Consider keeping copies in multiple places, including your phone, home files, and with backup documents.
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