As of January 5, 2026 the CDC revised its childhood immunization schedule, creating three recommendation categories instead of a single universal list:
- Immunizations recommended for all children
- Immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups
- Immunizations to be considered based on shared clinical decision-making (parent/guardian + clinician discussion)
The new policy reflects a directive to compare U.S. practices with other healthier, developed nations and move away from “blanket” universal recommendations for every vaccine.
Key Vaccines and Recommended Ages (2026 CDC Schedule)
Birth
- Hepatitis B (HepB): 1st dose
- Engerix-B (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Recombinant (single antigen) vaccine
- 3 total doses
- Contains aluminum hydroxide
- Recombivax HB (Merck)
- Recombinant (single antigen) vaccine
- 3 total doses
- Contains aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate
- Purpose: If a mother has hepatitis B (liver infection), her baby is at high risk of infection during birth – if the mother tests negative for Hep B at birth, there is no reason to vaccinate this early
- Available for at birth, now not universally recommended, rather with shared clinical decision-making
- Engerix-B (GlaxoSmithKline)
2 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB): 2nd dose (can be given between 1–2 months)
- Rotavirus (RV1 or RV5): 1st dose – now universally available, not universally recommended
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Rotarix
- Live, attenuated, monovalent vaccine derived from a weakened human rotavirus isolate
- 2 doses given orally via syringe
- Merck & Co., Inc.RotaTeq
- Live, reassortant, pentavalent vaccine expressing a different human rotavirus surface antigen
- 3 doses given orally via syringe
- Purpose: Protects against rotavirus, a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Reduces the risk of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis
- Available for at birth, now not universally recommended, rather with shared clinical decision-making
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Rotarix
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP): 1st dose
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Infanrix
- 3 Pertussis antigens: Pertussis toxoid (PT), Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin
- 5 doses
- Sanofi Pasteur – Daptacel
- 5 Pertussis antigens: PT, FHA, Pertactin, Fimbriae types 2 & 3
- 5 doses
- Vaccine Type:
- Inactivated toxoid vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular (purified components) pertussis
- Both manufacturers also have a combo IPV brand
- Purpose: Protects against three serious diseases:
- Diphtheria – a bacterial infection that can cause severe breathing problems, heart failure, and death
- Tetanus (lockjaw) – a bacterial toxin-induced condition causing painful muscle stiffness and spasms
- Pertussis (whooping cough) – a highly contagious respiratory disease causing severe coughing fits, especially dangerous for infants
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Infanrix
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): 1st dose
- ActHIB® (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Uses PRP-T (polyribosylribitol phosphate conjugated to tetanus toxoid) as the carrier protein.
- Administered as a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age.
- Hiberix® (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Also uses PRP-T as the carrier protein.
- Approved for a 4-dose series, typically at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months.
- PedvaxHIB® (Merck)
- Uses PRP-OMP (polyribosylribitol phosphate-outer membrane protein conjugate) as the carrier protein.
- Requires a 3-dose series at 2, 4, and 12–15 months, as it elicits a stronger immune response with fewer doses.
- Pentacel® (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Combines Hib (ActHIB® component) with diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP), and inactivated poliovirus (IPV).
- Approved for a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 15–18 months.
- Vaxelis™ (MSP Company, a joint venture between Merck and Sanofi Pasteur)
- Combines Hib (PedvaxHIB® component) with DTaP, IPV, and hepatitis B (HepB)
- Approved for a 3-dose primary series at 2, 4, and 6 months; not used for the booster dose at 12–15 months.
- Conjugate vaccine purpose: prevent serious, potentially life-threatening invasive diseases in children, including:
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or death.
- Pneumonia: Lung infection that can cause severe respiratory issues.
- Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the epiglottis, which can block the airway and lead to breathing difficulties.
- Septicemia: Bloodstream infection that can cause systemic illness.
- Other invasive infections: Such as joint infections (septic arthritis) or bone infections (osteomyelitis).
- ActHIB® (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13 or PCV15): 1st dose
- Prevnar 13® (Pfizer)
- Covers 13 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F).
- Administered as a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age.
- Vaxneuvance® (Merck)
- Covers 15 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (includes the 13 serotypes in PCV13 plus two additional serotypes, 22F and 33F).
- Approved for a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age.
- Both conjugate vaccines – Purpose: protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD):
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, which can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or death.
- Bacteremia/Septicemia: Bloodstream infections that can cause severe systemic illness.
- Pneumonia: Lung infections, including severe cases requiring hospitalization.
- Non-invasive Pneumococcal Infections:
- Otitis media: Middle ear infections, a common cause of pain and hearing issues in children.
- Sinusitis: Sinus infections.
- Prevnar 13® (Pfizer)
- Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): 1st dose
- IPOL® (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Inactivated (killed) poliovirus vaccine containing all three poliovirus serotypes (types 1, 2, and 3).
- Administered as a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years of age.
- Given via intramuscular injection.
- Combination Vaccines (containing IPV and others):
- Pentacel® (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Combines IPV with DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
- Approved for a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 15–18 months.
- Vaxelis™ (MSP Company, a joint venture between Merck and Sanofi Pasteur)
- Combines IPV with DTaP, Hib, and hepatitis B (HepB).
- Approved for a 3-dose primary series at 2, 4, and 6 months; not used for the booster dose at 4-6 years.
- Kinrix® (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Combines IPV with DTaP.
- Approved for the 5th dose of DTaP and 4th dose of IPV at 4-6 years of age.
- Quadracel® (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Combines IPV with DTaP.
- Approved for the 5th dose of DTaP and 4th dose of IPV at 4–6 years of age.
- Vaccine Type: Inactivated (killed) virus vaccine.
- Purpose: Protects against poliomyelitis, a highly contagious viral disease caused by poliovirus that can lead to:
- Paralytic polio: Permanent muscle weakness or paralysis, often affecting the legs or arms.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- Respiratory failure: In severe cases, paralysis of muscles involved in breathing.
- Death: In rare cases, due to complications from paralysis or respiratory failure.
- IPOL® (Sanofi Pasteur)
4 Months
- Rotavirus (RV1 or RV5): 2nd dose
- DTaP: 2nd dose
- Hib: 2nd dose
- PCV13 or PCV15: 2nd dose
- IPV: 2nd dose
6 Months
- Rotavirus (RV5 only): 3rd dose (if applicable)
- DTaP: 3rd dose
- Hib: 3rd dose (if applicable)
- PCV13 or PCV15: 3rd dose
- IPV: 3rd dose (can be given between 6–18 months)
- Hepatitis B (HepB): 3rd dose (between 6–18 months)
- Influenza (IIV or LAIV): first annual vaccination (Available for children 6 months and older, now not universally recommended, rather with shared clinical decision-making)
- Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur) — available in standard dose, high-dose for 65+, and quadrivalent forms. Inactivated.
- Fluarix and Flulaval (GlaxoSmithKline) — quadrivalent vaccines. Inactivated.
- Afluria (Seqirus) — available in quadrivalent and trivalent versions. Inactivated.
- Flucelvax (Seqirus) — a cell-based quadrivalent vaccine, egg-free. Inactivated.
- Flublok (Sanofi) — a recombinant egg-free quadrivalent vaccine approved for adults.
- FluMist (AstraZeneca) — a live attenuated nasal spray vaccine available in quadrivalent formulation.
- Fluad (Seqirus) — an adjuvanted vaccine for seniors (65+). Inactivated
- COVID-19: Available for children 6 months and older, now not universally recommended, rather with shared clinical decision-making
- Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech):
- Type: mRNA vaccine – Contains messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, prompting an immune response.
- Spikevax (Moderna):
- Type: mRNA vaccine – Similar mechanism to Pfizer-BioNTech, using mRNA to stimulate immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
- Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine:
- Type: Protein subunit vaccine – Contains a recombinant spike protein with an adjuvant to enhance immune response.
- Available for children aged 12 years and older.
- Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech):
- RSV (nirsevimab monoclonal antibody): For infants <8 months entering RSV season
12–15 Months
- Hib: Final dose
- PCV13 or PCV15: Final dose
- MMR: 1st dose
- Merck & Co. inc. M-M-R II
- Live attenuated virus
- 2 doses
- Merck & Co. inc. ProQuad (includes Varicella)
- LIve attenuated virus
- 2 doses
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): Priorix
- Live attenuated virus
- 2 doses
- Merck & Co. inc. M-M-R II
- Varicella (VAR): 1st dose
- Varivax®
- A single-antigen varicella vaccine that contains live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus derived from the Oka strain.
- 2 doses for active immunization against chickenpox, typically starting at 12 months of age or older.
- ProQuad®
- Combination vaccine containing measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV). It also contains the same live, attenuated varicella virus and is used primarily for children aged 12 months through 12 years
- Varivax®
- Hepatitis A (HepA): 1st dose available (2nd dose 6 months later)
- Available for children 12-15 months and older, now not universally recommended, rather with shared clinical decision-making
15–18 Months
- DTaP: 4th dose
18 Months
- IPV: 3rd dose (if not already given)
- Hepatitis B (HepB): 3rd dose (if not already given)
4–6 Years
- DTaP: 5th dose
- IPV: 4th dose
- MMR: 2nd dose
- Varicella (VAR): 2nd dose
11–12 Years
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): 2-dose series (if starting before age 15)
- Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY): 1st dose
- Tdap: Booster recommended
16 Years
- MenACWY: 2nd dose
- Meningococcal B (MenB): Optional, based on clinical decision-making
9–16 Years (in endemic areas)
- Dengue: For those with prior lab-confirmed dengue infection
High-risk infants 8–19 Months
- RSV (nirsevimab monoclonal antibody): 2nd season dose for qualifying children
Additional Resources:
Interactive Vaccine Schedule: The CDC offers an interactive tool to help parents determine the recommended vaccines for their children based on age:
Mobile App: Healthcare providers and parents can download the CDC Vaccine Schedules app for easy access to the latest immunization schedules.
FDA Vaccine Approvals & Label Changes:
Official CDC Immunization Schedule (0–18 years):
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR):
Regular updates on new vaccine recommendations from ACIP