Vaccinations: What Baby Will Need

It’s no fun to watch your little one get poked with a needle and it’s even worse to hear their inevitable cries, but vaccinations are critical to their health. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends following its immunization schedule to protect baby against serious, but preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough, as well as viruses such as the flu and COVID-19.

Vaccines have been in the news recently, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcing an unprecedented overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule in January 2026. Following the examples of countries like Denmark, the CDC now recommends all children get vaccinated for 11 diseases, rather than the 18 previously on the schedule. In practice, however, not much will change for parents who want to continue following the expert-prescribed schedule; insurance will continue covering vaccines.

The AAP and other professional groups have warned against this change. "While vaccine guidance is largely similar across developed countries, it may differ by country due to different disease threats, population demographics, health systems, costs, government structures, vaccine availability and programs for vaccine delivery,” the AAP says on its website.

Medical experts continue to stress that vaccines are safe and effective. While side effects can occur, they go away shortly and serious reactions are rare—the risk of the disease is much greater. “The routine vaccine schedule remains the safest and most effective way to protect babies and young children from serious illnesses,” says Amir Miodovnik, MD, MPH, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who helps parents navigate the challenges of raising children with ADHD, autism and learning differences. “Vaccines do not cause autism. Allowing variations in vaccine schedules can result in uneven and lower overall coverage. This increases the risk of outbreaks, and places vulnerable individuals at a greater risk of contracting the disease.”

Ahead, learn which vaccines health experts recommend for babies and toddlers and when to get them.

Key Takeaways

• The following vaccines are routinely recommended for babies and young children by professional groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody injection, rotavirus vaccine, DTaP vaccine (pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria), Hib vaccine (haemophilus influenzae type B), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, inactivated polio vaccine, influenza vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, chickenpox vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine.
• CDC changes: In January 2026, the CDC overhauled its vaccine schedule, now officially recommending that children get vaccinated for 11 diseases instead of the previously suggested 18. The CDC said it will continue to recommend that all children get vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), polio, DTaP (pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria), Hib (haemophilus influenzae type B), pneumococcal disease, chickenpox and HPV (starting at minimum age 9). They’ll recommend other vaccines for “high-risk groups” or based on “shared clinical decision-making.” This includes shots for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, COVID and the flu.
• Hepatitis B changes: In December 2025, the CDC officially stopped recommending the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns. Instead, they now advise giving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth only to infants born to women who tested positive for the virus, which attacks the liver. Women who test negative for the virus are advised to speak with their healthcare providers. The controversial decision was widely criticized by healthcare experts.
• COVID vaccine recommendations: The AAP recommends that all children ages 6 to 23 months receive the COVID vaccine, as they’re more susceptible to serious illness from the virus. The AAP says children older than 2 should get the vaccine if they have certain risk factors or haven’t been vaccinated before. However, the CDC recently changed its guidance and no longer includes a routine COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for babies and toddlers, instead encouraging “shared clinical decision-making” with your pediatrician. The AAP doesn’t endorse the CDC recommendations.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody injection

It prevents: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a respiratory virus that’s the most common cause of hospitalization in children under one, according to the AAP. The antibody injection can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from RSV.

When baby gets it: It’s recommended that between birth and 8 months, all babies born to mothers who didn’t receive a maternal RSV vaccine receive one dose of an RSV antibody injection during or just before RSV season. Baby can receive this dose in the hospital when they’re born or at their first checkup. For kids who are at increased risk for severe disease, a second dose is recommended between 8 months and 19 months.

Possible side effects: Temporary pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, rash

Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB)

It prevents: Hepatitis B, a chronic or acute liver disease that can lead to liver failure and cancer.

When baby gets it: In December 2025, the CDC adopted recommendations to give the hepatitis B vaccine only to infants born to women who tested positive for the virus. The CDC now suggests waiting until at least 2 months old for babies’ first hepatitis B shots if they don’t receive a dose at birth.

If Mom is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, baby should still get the vaccine—plus hepatitis B immune globulin—within 12 hours of birth, and then receive two more doses of the vaccine between 9 and 18 months, and be tested for HBsAg and the antibody to HBsAg one to two months after completion of the dosages.

Healthcare experts criticized the decision. “A birth dose of the vaccine is up to 95 percent effective at preventing the infection and provides a safety net when a mother’s hepatitis status is unknown,” says Miodovnik. “Waiting to immunize infants only when maternal infection is identified fails to protect infants in case of unrecognized infection or when infection occurs late in pregnancy.”

Possible side effects: Brief soreness and fussiness

Rotavirus Vaccine (RV)

It prevents: Rotavirus, the most common cause of diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children, which can cause severe dehydration in babies. It’s not a shot—this vaccine is taken orally.

When baby gets it: Between 2 months and 4 months of age, in two to three doses, depending on the brand of vaccine they get. Baby may also need another dose at 6 months, so double-check with your doctor.

Possible side effects: Fussiness, and some babies may have mild, temporary diarrhea or may vomit

Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)

It prevents: This is a combination vaccine to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Diphtheria used to be a major cause of childhood illness and death. Now, it only occurs in a few cases a year, thanks to this vaccine. Tetanus is a serious illness that causes painful tightening of the jaw muscles. Pertussis is also known as the whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection.

When baby gets it: At 2 months, 4 months and 6 months, and between 15 and 18 months and 4 to 6 years.

Possible side effects: Tenderness, swelling, redness, fever, loss of appetite within two days of receiving the shot

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine (Hib)

It prevents: “Hib” disease, which you probably haven’t heard of, but it’s very harmful. Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children before the vaccine was developed. Kids with Hib may suffer permanent brain damage or have serious complications, like pneumonia.

When baby gets it: At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and between 12 and 15 months.

Possible side effects: Fever, redness and/or tenderness at the site of the shot

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)

It prevents: Streptococcus pneumoniae, an illness that can be serious and even lead to death. It can cause blood infections, ear infections, meningitis and pneumonia in children. The vaccine protects children for three years, when they’re most vulnerable to the disease.

When baby gets it: At 2 months, 4 months and 6 months, plus a booster given between 12 and 15 months.

Possible side effects: Low-grade fever, redness, tenderness at injection site

Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)

It prevents: Polio, once a widespread epidemic that killed and paralyzed thousands of people.
When baby gets it: At 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years.

Possible side effects: Soreness or redness near the site of injection; an allergic reaction rarely occurs

COVID-19 Vaccine

It prevents: The respiratory illness COVID-19. According to the AAP, children under 2 years old are at higher risk for severe COVID and hospitalization.

When baby gets it: The AAP recommends that all children ages 6 to 23 months receive the COVID vaccine, since they’re more vulnerable to the effects of the illness. For children older than 2, the AAP recommends the vaccine if they have certain risk factors, such as health conditions, or haven’t been vaccinated previously.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, recently changed its guidance to instead emphasize “shared clinical decision-making” for all babies and kids who aren’t moderately or severely immunocompromised. The AAP doesn’t endorse this recommendation.

Possible side effects: Sore arm or leg, redness, fatigue, fever, chills, headache, muscle and/or joint pain. According to the AAP, the side effects are temporary and mainly mild or moderate. There have been rare reports of anaphylaxis.

Influenza Vaccine

It prevents: The flu—which, according to the CDC, is more dangerous to children than the common cold.

When baby gets it: Annually, from age 6 months.

Possible side effects: Fever, aches, soreness, redness or swelling at injection site

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine (MMR)

It prevents: Measles, mumps and rubella, dangerous diseases that can cause rashes and fevers and that can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, seizures and deafness.

When baby gets it: One dose at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years.

Possible side effects: Rash, slight fever, joint aches, swelling in neck and salivary glands a week or two after receiving the shot.

Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine

It prevents: Chickenpox—some people that get the vaccine may still get chickenpox, but it’s usually very mild and the recovery time is faster. The risks of chickenpox are fever and a severe rash. Complications include a bacterial infection of the skin, swelling of the brain and pneumonia. Many states now require children to get the vaccine before entering school. The vaccine is now recommended because it results in less illness if your child does get chickenpox and less time missed from school, plus it prevents against severe infections.

When baby gets it: One dose at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years.

Possible side effects: Soreness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, rash.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

It prevents: It protects against Hepatitis A, a disease that causes liver inflammation. Young children may not have symptoms, so often the disease is not recognized until the child’s caregiver becomes ill.

When baby gets it: One dose at 12 to 23 months and a second dose six months after.

Possible side effects: Soreness at the injection site, headache, loss of appetite, tiredness

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Quadrivalent (MCV4)

It prevents: Meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis, blood infections and other infections. Infants less than one year old and college freshmen who live in dormitories are most susceptible. The vaccine protects against this bacterial disease.

When baby gets it: Used rarely, two doses of this vaccine are recommended for high-risk children only between the ages of 9 to 23 months. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for all children and adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 years old (the first at 11 or 12 years and a booster at 16 to 18 years).

Possible side effects: Redness and soreness at the injection site; very few people can develop a fever.

Plus more from The Bump:

Vaccines You Should (and Shouldn’t) Get During Pregnancy

Should Babies Get the Flu Shot? Here’s What to Know

Top Questions About COVID Vaccines for Babies and Toddlers, Answered

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.