What it means
In the US, the CDC publishes schedules for children and teens and for adults, with a catch-up schedule for anyone who has fallen behind. They list each vaccine, the ages for each dose, minimum spacing, and who should not get a vaccine. Other countries have their own schedules. Recommendations change over time, and US federal vaccine guidance changed several times in 2025 and 2026.
For the nurse
Check the current schedule on cdc.gov before each visit, review the client's records, screen for reasons to delay or skip a vaccine, and record each dose with its lot number and site.
At a glance
| Also written | immunization schedules, vaccination schedule |
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Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
Tdap
A vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) for older children, teens and adults.
DTaP
The childhood vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), for children under 7.
hepatitis B vaccine
A vaccine that protects against hepatitis B, a virus that infects the liver.