Get Your Child’s Shots on Schedule 

The Basics

It’s important for all children to get shots.
The germs that cause serious childhood diseases are still around. Each child who isn’t vaccinated gives those germs a chance to spread to other children.

When does my child need shots?
Shots work best when children get them at certain ages. Doctors follow a schedule of shots that begins at birth.

• If your child is age 6 or younger, find out which shots your child still needs.
• If your child is late getting vaccinated, talk to the doctor. Your child may be able to get “catch-up” shots after age 6.
• Doctors recommend that pre-teens ages 11 and 12 get important shots, too. Find out more about shots for pre-teens.

Ask the doctor for a list of your child’s shots. Keep the list in a safe place – you will need it for school and other activities.