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Every Vaccine Your Child Needs From Birth to Graduation

Vaccinating your children according to the recommended schedule is one of the best ways you can protect them from numerous harmful and potentially deadly diseases like measles and whooping cough before their second birthday.

Birth through 6 Years Old

Babies should receive vaccines at birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months and older. Children are due for additional vaccines at age 4-6.  

Here’s a list of the diseases your child will be protected against:

  • HepB: hepatitis B, a serious liver disease 
  • DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) 
  • PCV: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against a serious blood, lung, and brain infection 
  • Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b, a serious brain, throat, and blood infection 
  • Polio: polio, a serious paralyzing disease 
  • RSV: respiratory syncytial virus, a serious lung infection  
  • RV: rotavirus infection, a serious diarrheal disease 
  • Influenza: a serious lung infection 
  • MMR: measles, mumps, and rubella 
  • HepA: hepatitis A, a serious liver disease 
  • Chickenpox: also called varicella

Many times vaccines are combined to reduce the number of shots a child needs.

Click here to view this guide in a printable pdf

Find the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule here.

3 teenagers standing on steps

Pre-Teens & Teens

Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV vaccines are recommended for all adolescents. Teens may also need to catch up on any shots they may have missed. 

Recommended vaccines:

  • Tdap: A booster shot against tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (whooping cough). Recommended at age 11-12,  but needed before entering 7th grade.
  • Meningococcal: Protects against a bacterial infection around the brain and spinal cord. 1st dose recommended at age 11-12 with a booster at age 16, but needed before entering 7th and 12th grades.
  • HPV: HPV-related cancer incidence is high in Iowa, and impacts both boys and girls. The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective vaccine that can prevent 90% of the 6 cancers caused by HPV including: cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and throat cancer. Vaccinating adolescents now with the HPV vaccine will provide protection throughout their lives. Learn more from the American Cancer Society.
    • Children ages 11–12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9. Three doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years, and for immunocompromised persons.
  • Flu: Recommended annually.
  • COVID-19: Discuss with your healthcare provider.


Find the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule here.

View related pages:

Our Immunization Clinic Details

A child receiving a shot in Public Health's clinic with an underwater mural painted on two walls.

Vaccines for Adults and Pregnant Women

4 smiling older adults

Vaccine FAQs

Want to learn more about vaccines and the diseases they prevent?

All vaccines come with a Vaccine Information Statement produced by CDC that explains both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Click here to view all Vaccine Information Statements.

Find accurate and factual information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent at VaccineInformation.org.

The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines across the lifespan. 

American Academy of Pediatrics website

Iowa HHS website

Here is a list of resources including apps, books, and videos about vaccines

Call us at 319-385-0779 for more information.