The CDC childhood vaccines schedule remains the most reliable public health guide for protecting children in the United States from preventable diseases. Updated in early 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reaffirmed its comprehensive immunization recommendations for infants, children, and teens, ensuring every age group receives protection against serious infections before entering adulthood.
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What’s New in the 2026 CDC Vaccine Schedule
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued its latest update to the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule this January. The 2026 edition includes continued emphasis on routine vaccinations and minor clarifications in timing for several key doses.
Here are the main highlights:
- The COVID-19 vaccine remains part of the recommended list for children aged 6 months and older, reflecting ongoing virus monitoring.
- RSV immunization guidance has been added for infants under 8 months and certain high-risk toddlers, following FDA approvals in late 2025.
- Influenza vaccination continues to be recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, ideally before the end of October each year.
- The Meningococcal vaccine update specifies booster timing for teenagers entering college or communal living environments.
- HPV vaccine guidance remains unchanged but is once again highlighted for preteens aged 11–12, with catch-up vaccination through age 26.
These updates align with current public health data and ongoing surveillance of vaccine-preventable illnesses across the country.
Why the CDC Childhood Vaccines Schedule Matters
The CDC’s immunization recommendations are designed to protect against more than a dozen diseases that once caused severe illness, long-term complications, or death in U.S. children. Vaccines have nearly eliminated diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and polio from daily American life, but recent outbreaks have shown what happens when vaccination rates decline.
In 2025, the United States recorded an increase in measles cases, primarily in communities with lower vaccination coverage. The CDC reaffirmed that maintaining high immunization levels is essential to prevent future outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, including infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Breakdown of the Recommended Vaccines for 2026
The CDC divides childhood vaccines into stages: infancy, early childhood, preteen, and adolescence. Below is a clear summary of the 2026 vaccination framework for children from birth through 18 years of age.
Infant Stage (Birth to 12 Months)
- Hepatitis B (HepB): Given at birth, 1–2 months, and 6–18 months.
- Rotavirus (RV): 2-dose or 3-dose series, depending on the brand.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20): 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months.
- Polio (IPV): 2, 4, and 6–18 months.
- Influenza: Annually starting at 6 months.
- COVID-19: Age-appropriate doses beginning at 6 months.
Early Childhood (1–6 Years)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): First dose at 12–15 months, second at 4–6 years.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): First dose at 12–15 months, second at 4–6 years.
- Hepatitis A (HepA): Two doses between 12 months and 2 years, spaced six months apart.
- DTaP and IPV boosters: 4–6 years before starting school.
- Annual flu shot: Continues every year.
Preteen Years (7–12 Years)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): At 11–12 years.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Recommended at 11–12 years, two doses six months apart.
- Meningococcal ACWY: First dose at 11–12 years.
- Flu and COVID-19 boosters: Yearly or as updated by the CDC.
Adolescence (13–18 Years)
- HPV (Catch-up): For those who missed earlier doses.
- Meningococcal ACWY booster: At 16 years.
- Meningococcal B: Optional but encouraged for ages 16–18, especially for college-bound students.
- Tdap booster: Every 10 years after initial dose.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines: Continue annually.
This schedule is designed to maximize protection during developmental milestones, when immune systems can respond most effectively to vaccines.
Recent CDC Focus: Combating Declining Vaccination Rates
Throughout 2025, the CDC emphasized restoring childhood immunization rates after they dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic years. Nationwide data showed gradual recovery, but some states remain below pre-pandemic levels, particularly in measles and whooping cough coverage.
The agency has worked closely with pediatric associations and schools to ensure parents receive accurate vaccine reminders and easy access to local immunization clinics. In 2026, this effort continues with a digital vaccination tracking initiative that allows families to store and verify immunization records securely online.
Public health officials stress that catching up on missed vaccines is critical. The 2026 CDC schedule includes guidance for “catch-up” vaccination, helping parents whose children may have missed doses to get back on track safely and efficiently.
COVID-19 and RSV: The Newest Additions to the Schedule
One of the most important updates to the CDC childhood vaccines list in 2026 involves protection against respiratory viruses.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Children:
The CDC continues to recommend vaccination for all children six months and older. The latest mRNA formulations target currently circulating strains and are adjusted each fall to improve protection against new variants. Pediatric doses remain available through pediatric clinics, pharmacies, and local health departments.
RSV Immunization for Infants:
A major change this year is the formal inclusion of protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Infants born during or entering their first RSV season can now receive preventive antibodies (nirsevimab) to reduce the risk of severe infection. For some pregnant women, the CDC recommends maternal vaccination during the third trimester to pass protective antibodies to newborns.
These updates mark an important shift toward comprehensive respiratory protection for America’s youngest populations.
Vaccine Safety and Monitoring in 2026
Vaccine safety remains a top CDC priority. The agency continuously monitors all approved vaccines through multiple national safety systems, including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD).
To date, studies continue to confirm that childhood vaccines are both safe and effective. Common side effects are typically mild and short-lived—such as soreness at the injection site, low fever, or temporary fatigue.
In 2026, no new vaccine-related safety alerts have been issued. The CDC continues transparent reporting on all post-vaccination data to maintain public confidence and inform healthcare providers.
Common Parent Questions About CDC Childhood Vaccines
1. Can vaccines be given together?
Yes. Most childhood vaccines are administered in combination or during the same visit to minimize clinic trips and improve adherence to the schedule.
2. What if my child misses a dose?
Catch-up vaccination schedules are available for every vaccine, ensuring children can safely resume protection without restarting the series.
3. Are exemptions allowed?
Vaccine requirements vary by state, particularly for school entry. Medical exemptions exist for certain conditions, but public health authorities continue to discourage nonmedical exemptions that increase outbreak risk.
4. Do vaccines still work if a child is older than recommended age?
Yes. While on-time vaccination provides optimal immunity, older children can still receive missed doses and develop strong protection.
School Requirements for 2026
Every U.S. state enforces its own vaccination requirements for school entry, all based on the CDC framework. Commonly required vaccines for kindergarten include:
- DTaP
- Polio (IPV)
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hepatitis B
For middle and high school students, updated Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV vaccinations are often required or strongly recommended.
States maintain online portals for verifying vaccination records and notifying parents of any missing immunizations before the school year begins.
Public Health Perspective: The Impact of Vaccination
Vaccines remain one of the greatest public health achievements in modern history. The CDC estimates that widespread childhood immunizations in the United States prevent over 40,000 deaths and 20 million cases of disease annually.
Diseases once common—like polio, diphtheria, and rubella—are now rare due to decades of adherence to CDC vaccination schedules. As population movement increases globally, ongoing vaccination ensures these diseases do not return to U.S. communities.
How Parents Can Stay Up to Date
Parents can ensure their children remain fully protected by:
- Checking vaccination records annually during wellness visits.
- Scheduling missed doses promptly if any were delayed.
- Keeping printed and digital copies of immunization cards.
- Staying informed through local health departments about vaccination clinics.
- Asking pediatricians about combination vaccines that reduce the number of shots per visit.
Healthcare providers also encourage families to discuss any questions about timing or side effects directly with trusted pediatricians rather than relying on social media sources.
The 2026 Outlook for Childhood Immunization in the U.S.
As the CDC refines its immunization strategy, public health experts continue emphasizing access, equity, and education. The goal for 2026 is to achieve vaccination coverage above 95% nationwide for all major childhood diseases.
Ongoing campaigns target rural areas, underserved urban communities, and immigrant families to ensure no child is left unprotected. Mobile vaccination units, community health fairs, and school partnerships are all part of the national strategy to improve coverage.
With continuous monitoring, updated technology, and transparent communication, the CDC remains committed to keeping the United States at the forefront of global vaccine safety and success.
The 2026 CDC childhood vaccines schedule represents more than a list of shots—it’s a roadmap for lifelong health and community protection. Which vaccine update surprised you most this year? Share your thoughts below.
