How are vaccines chosen for the recommended vaccine schedule?
Vaccines are carefully studied before they are recommended. Scientists test them to make sure they prevent common illnesses that can cause serious sickness or death.
Only vaccines that are proven to be safe and effective are approved. Vaccine safety is watched closely even after approval. Cost is also considered to make sure vaccines are worth the benefit they provide.
How has the U.S. vaccine schedule changed over time?
1950s: Vaccines for smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio
1960s: Vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella were added
1970s: Smallpox was wiped out around the world — thanks to vaccines!
1980s: Hepatitis B vaccine was added and nearly eliminated this disease in children. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine prevents severe meningitis in babies.
Hepatitis B vaccine helped almost eliminate this disease in children.
Hib vaccine began preventing dangerous meningitis in babies.
1990s: Vaccines for chickenpox (varicella), rotavirus, hepatitis A, pneumonia (pneumococcus), and flu were added
2006: HPV vaccine was added to help prevent cervical cancer
2014: Meningococcal vaccine was added for teens to prevent bacterial meningitis
2023: COVID vaccine was recommended for children >6 months.
COVID-19 vaccine was recommended for children over 6 months.
RSV vaccine for pregnant women and an RSV antibody for infants was approved to protect babies from severe breathing infections.
Why is the U.S. vaccine schedule different from other countries?
The U.S. vaccine schedule is made to fit the needs of children in our country. The U.S. has a very diverse population and a different healthcare system than many other countries.
Many U.S. babies start daycare before age 1, which means they are exposed to germs earlier. Vaccines help protect them during this time.
Some countries choose to spend more money treating illnesses instead of preventing them with vaccines. Also, some diseases—like yellow fever, dengue, and typhoid—are not common in the U.S., so those vaccines are not usually needed here.
Why should babies get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth?
Babies can be exposed to hepatitis B during birth. If infected, babies often develop a lifelong illness that can cause liver failure, liver cancer, or death.
Giving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth has almost eliminated this disease in U.S. children.
Tell me about the newest vaccines!
Nirsevimab is an RSV antibody. Antibodies are proteins that help the body fight infections.
Nirsevimab helps protect babies from severe RSV infections. Breathing infections are the number one cause of death in babies in the U.S. Since 2023, RSV vaccines and antibodies have greatly reduced hospital stays and deaths.
Safety studies show very rare allergic reactions and no other serious safety concerns.
Where can I find trustworthy vaccine information?
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides reliable, science-based information for families. Visit healthychildren.org or talk with your Mountain Family Health Centers primary care provider.