The Idaho Parent's Timeline for Childhood Vaccines

Between work, errands, and keeping track of appointments, remembering every immunization on the schedule feels overwhelming. You want to protect your children’s health, but you're not entirely sure what immunizations are needed at each age or why they matter so much.

Core Medicine of Idaho understands that keeping up with childhood vaccines can feel like a full-time job. That's why our family medicine team in Caldwell provides clear guidance, accurate immunization records, and appointment reminders to help you stay on track with your children’s vaccination schedule.

Why Do Vaccines Still Matter?

Vaccination remains among the most effective public health tools for protecting children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. As of August 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a schedule of childhood immunizations that protects against more than a dozen illnesses, including measles, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis, meningitis, and more. We provide a condensed version below. Please refer to the official CDC site for more detailed information.

These diseases haven’t disappeared; they continue to circulate worldwide. International travel can reintroduce them into Idaho communities, leading to outbreaks if vaccination rates are low.

Birth Through 15 Months: The Foundation of Protection

The earliest stage of life is when our young ones are most vulnerable to infectious diseases while their immune systems are still developing. Vaccination during this period lays the groundwork for long-term protection, helping infants and toddlers build defenses against illnesses they may encounter before they’re old enough to fight them off on their own.

At Birth

• Hepatitis B (HepB): Newborns receive their first HepB dose within 24 hours of birth. This early protection reduces the risk of chronic infection and liver disease later in life.

2–6 Months

• DTaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
• Rotavirus: Prevents severe diarrhea and dehydration.
• Hib: Guards against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a cause of meningitis.
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV): Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
• Polio (IPV): Prevents poliomyelitis, a paralyzing viral disease.
• HepB: 2nd dose.

12–15 Months

• MMR: First doses against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Varicella: First dose of chickenpox vaccine.
• Hepatitis A: Two-dose series begins.
• Boosters: Additional HepB, Hib, and PCV doses are administered at this stage.

Preschool Through Elementary Years: Boosting Protection

As children grow more independent and spend longer hours in group settings, their risk of exposure to contagious illnesses increases. This stage is a key opportunity to reinforce immunity with school and sports vaccinations and ensure protection keeps pace with a child’s expanding world.

• DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella: Boosters between ages 4 and 6 ensure that immunity remains strong during the school years.
• Hepatitis A: If not completed earlier, this series is finished during this time.

These boosters are timed to provide continued protection as children spend extended hours in classrooms with peers from different backgrounds.

Preteen and Teen Vaccinations: Extending Immunity

The transition from childhood into adolescence brings new health challenges, as maturing bodies and expanding social circles create different risks for disease. Vaccines at this stage are designed not only to renew earlier protection but also to guard against serious infections that become more relevant in the teen years.

Ages 11–12

• Tdap booster: Extends protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY): Protects against meningitis and bloodstream infections.
• HPV vaccine: Prevents cancers caused by human papillomavirus. Starting the series before age 15 requires only two doses; beginning later requires three.

Age 16

• MenACWY booster: Reinforces protection during high-risk years, especially in communal living settings such as college dorms.

Annual Flu Vaccines: Year-Round Protection

The CDC recommends that every child aged 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine.

• First-timers under age 9: Two doses, given at least four weeks apart, are recommended for stronger immune priming.
• Age 9 and older: Only one annual dose is needed.
• Timing: Health officials recommend vaccination in early fall before flu activity peaks.

Each year, U.S. health agencies review global and domestic influenza surveillance and recommend the vaccine viruses for the upcoming season. As a result, formulations—including the number of components—can change from year to year. For the most current, season-specific details and what’s available in your area, check the CDC’s Flu Season page and consult with the professionals at Core Medicine of Idaho for recommendations. 

How Does Core Medicine of Idaho Help Families Stay on Track With Childhood Vaccination Schedules?

Managing immunizations requires organization and consistency. Core Medicine of Idaho can help you simplify this process with Idaho's Immunization Reminder Information System. You can access these records to check vaccination status.

Our practice also sends appointment reminders so families don't miss crucial vaccine visits. During your routine exams and well-child checkups, our health care providers also review upcoming vaccinations and explain changes in immunization guidelines with you, and answer any questions about safety, side effects, and timing.

Childhood vaccines provide a foundation for lifelong health. Contact Core Medicine of Idaho in Caldwell to schedule your child's next vaccination appointment or to review their immunization records.