Why Vaccinations Matter
Vaccines are one of the most important tools parents have to protect their children's health. According to the CDC, childhood vaccines prevent approximately 4 million deaths worldwide each year and have eliminated or nearly eliminated diseases that once killed thousands of children annually.
The recommended vaccination schedule is developed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and endorsed by the CDC, AAP, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). This schedule is based on decades of research and is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable to disease.
2026 Recommended Schedule: Birth to 24 Months
At Birth
- Hepatitis B (HepB) — First dose, given within 24 hours of birth
2 Months
- DTaP — Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (first dose)
- IPV — Polio (first dose)
- Hib — Haemophilus influenzae type b (first dose)
- PCV15 or PCV20 — Pneumococcal (first dose)
- RV — Rotavirus (first dose, oral vaccine)
- HepB — Hepatitis B (second dose)
4 Months
- DTaP — Second dose
- IPV — Second dose
- Hib — Second dose
- PCV15 or PCV20 — Second dose
- RV — Second dose
6 Months
- DTaP — Third dose
- PCV15 or PCV20 — Third dose
- RV — Third dose (if using RotaTeq brand)
- HepB — Third dose (can be given 6-18 months)
- IPV — Third dose (can be given 6-18 months)
- Influenza (Flu) — First dose (annually, starting at 6 months)
12-15 Months
- MMR — Measles, mumps, rubella (first dose)
- Varicella — Chickenpox (first dose)
- Hib — Booster dose
- PCV15 — Booster dose (if PCV15 series was used)
- HepA — Hepatitis A (first dose, 12-23 months)
15-18 Months
- DTaP — Fourth dose
18-23 Months
- HepA — Second dose (at least 6 months after first dose)
Common Vaccine Questions from Parents
"Can my baby handle so many vaccines at once?"
Yes. Research published in Pediatrics shows that the immune system can handle thousands of antigens simultaneously. The vaccines in the current schedule represent a tiny fraction of what a baby's immune system encounters daily. Studies comparing children who received vaccines on schedule versus delayed schedules found no difference in immune function — but delayed children were unprotected for longer.
"Do vaccines cause autism?"
No. This claim originated from a 1998 study that was retracted due to fraud. Since then, multiple large-scale studies involving millions of children have found no link between vaccines and autism. The CDC, WHO, and every major medical organization worldwide confirm vaccines do not cause autism.
"Are there risks to vaccines?"
Like any medical intervention, vaccines can have side effects. The vast majority are mild and temporary: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fussiness. Serious side effects are extremely rare — far rarer than the complications of the diseases vaccines prevent.
"Can I delay or spread out vaccines?"
While some parents prefer alternative schedules, the AAP and CDC strongly recommend following the standard schedule. Delaying vaccines leaves your child unprotected during the period when they are most vulnerable to serious illness. There is no evidence that spreading out vaccines is safer.
Tips for Vaccine Appointments
- Bring a comfort item — A favorite toy or blanket
- Breastfeed or offer a bottle during/after — This provides natural pain relief
- Stay calm yourself — Your baby picks up on your anxiety
- Ask about combination vaccines — These reduce the total number of shots
- Track everything — Keep a record of which vaccines were given and when
Tracking Vaccinations with Better Parent Everyday
Keeping track of your baby's vaccination schedule can feel overwhelming. The Better Parent Everyday app includes a vaccination tracker with home screen widgets, so you always know what's coming up next. Set reminders, mark completed vaccines, and see the full schedule at a glance — all free.