Baby Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide (0–24 Months)
A month-by-month breakdown of recommended infant vaccinations, what to expect after each shot, how to manage post-vaccine fever, and red flags to watch for.
Vaccines are the most effective tool we have for protecting babies from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Understanding the schedule ahead of time helps parents prepare — and helps babies get protected at the right time.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule (US/General)
- Birth: Hepatitis B (1st dose)
- 1–2 months: Hepatitis B (2nd dose)
- 2 months: DTaP, IPV (polio), Hib, PCV13, RV (rotavirus)
- 4 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, RV
- 6 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, RV (3rd dose if 5-valent), Hepatitis B (3rd dose), Influenza (yearly from here)
- 12 months: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A (1st dose), PCV13 (4th dose), Hib (4th dose)
- 15 months: DTaP (4th dose)
- 18 months: Hepatitis A (2nd dose)
Preparing for Vaccine Day
- Check for illness: postpone if baby has a fever above 37.5°C or significant cold symptoms
- Bring your immunization record booklet
- Stay at the clinic for 15–30 minutes after the shot to watch for immediate reactions
- Dress baby in easy-to-remove clothing (access to thighs and arms)
Normal Reactions After Vaccines
- Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site: resolves within 1–3 days
- Low-grade fever (37.5–38.5°C): typically resolves within 24–48 hours
- Fussiness and reduced appetite: usually improves within 1–2 days
Managing Post-Vaccine Fever
A fever after vaccination is a normal immune response. For fever above 38.5°C, you can give age- and weight-appropriate acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (6+ months only). Keep baby hydrated and dress in light clothing. Do not use aspirin.
⚠️ Call the doctor immediately if: fever exceeds 39°C / severe swelling at injection site (over 5cm) / fever persists more than 48 hours / difficulty breathing / signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — hives, swelling of the face, rapid heartbeat within minutes of the shot.
💡 Log vaccines in BabySync's records, and use the temperature tracking feature to monitor post-vaccine fever over time. Having a documented fever chart when you call the pediatrician gives them much better information than trying to remember.