Immunizations
Health Tools help you make wise decisions and take action to improve your health.
Immunization charts for children
and adults
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following immunization schedules:
- Children ages newborn to 6 years
- Children ages 7 years to 18 years
- Children ages 4 months to 18 years who missed getting some immunizations
- Adults ages 19 years and older
Each year, the CDC reviews the immunization schedules for children and adults and makes new ones as needed. Use this childhood immunization record (PDF) to track your child's immunizations.
Immunizations
help protect you and your child from disease. They also help reduce the spread of disease to others and
prevent epidemics. Most are given as shots. They are sometimes called vaccines, or vaccinations. Sometimes
a vaccine does not completely prevent the disease, but it will make the disease much less serious if
you get it. Some immunizations are given only one time; others require several doses.
Why should you get immunized?
- Immunizations protect you and your child from dangerous diseases.
- It helps reduce the spread of disease.
- Getting immunized costs less than getting treated for the diseases that the shots protect you against.
- Vaccines have very few serious side effects.
- Children often need immunizations for entrance into school or day care. In addition, vaccines may be needed for employment or for travel to another country.
If you are a woman who is planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about what immunizations you have had and what you may need to protect your baby. And if you live with a pregnant woman, make sure your vaccines are up-to-date.
Traveling to other countries may be another reason to get immunized. Talk with your doctor 6 months before you leave, to see if you need any shots.
Other Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
