CDC Recommendations (2025)

The CDC’s 2025 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule provides comprehensive guidance for vaccinating infants and children from birth through 18 years. Below is a summary of the recommended vaccines for infants in their first year:

Birth

– Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose

1-2 Months

– Hepatitis B (HepB): Second dose (if first dose was given at birth)

2 Months

– Rotavirus (RV): First dose
– Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis (DTaP): First dose
– Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): First dose
– Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13): First dose
– Inactivated poliovirus (IPV): First dose

4 Months

– Rotavirus (RV): Second dose
– Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis (DTaP): Second dose
– Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Second dose
– Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13): Second dose
– Inactivated poliovirus (IPV): Second dose

6 Months

– Rotavirus (RV): Third dose (if needed, depending on brand)
– Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis (DTaP): Third dose
– Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Third dose (depending on brand)
– Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13): Third dose
– Inactivated poliovirus (IPV): Third dose
– Influenza (IIV): Annual vaccination, first dose
– Hepatitis B (HepB): Third dose (between 6-18 months)

6-7 Months

– Influenza (IIV): Second dose (at least 4 weeks after first dose, for first-time recipients)

9 Months

– Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): One dose (if not received maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy)

12-15 Months

– Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): First dose
– Varicella (VAR): First dose
– Hepatitis A (HepA): First dose
– Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Fourth dose
– Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13): Fourth dose
– Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis (DTaP): Fourth dose

Special Considerations

1. Catch-up Vaccination: For children who start late or are more than 1 month behind, refer to the catch-up schedule provided by CDC.

2. RSV Vaccination:
– One dose for infants aged 8 months or younger during their first RSV season
– Not needed if mother received RSV vaccine during pregnancy (weeks 32-36)

3. COVID-19 Vaccination:
– Recommended for all children 6 months and older
– Follow current CDC guidance for dosing schedule

4. Precautions and Contraindications:
– Some vaccines may be contraindicated for children with certain medical conditions
– Healthcare providers should review the child’s medical history before administering vaccines

Importance of Following the Schedule

– Following the recommended schedule provides the best protection against serious diseases
– Delaying vaccines leaves children vulnerable to preventable diseases
– The schedule is designed to protect infants when they are most vulnerable

Source
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2025 Immunization Schedule
– Approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
– Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
– Last updated: November 21, 2024

Note: check latest CDC, AAP and ACOG guidelines and check with your heath care professional as recommendations change.