Vaccine Information Statements: Immunization Schedules

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Immunization Schedules

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other national organizations advise people about which vaccines they should get and when. Immunization schedules are for healthy children, teens, and adults as well as people with health problems and other circumstances, including pregnancy, asthma, or diabetes.

To see a list of recommended shots based on your child's birth date, go to the CDC interactive Web site at www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le. To see what shots you or your teen may need, go to the CDC interactive Web site at www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched.

Children and teens in the United States usually need proof that all their immunizations are up-to-date before they can start school or day care. Also, students of any age entering college usually need to have a written record showing that their immunizations are up to date.

For more information on when to get vaccines, see the topic Immunizations.

The CDC may advise certain immunizations for people who are going to travel to a foreign country. For more information, see the topic Travel Health.

Last updated:	November 21, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC