What is the typical national immunisation schedule for individuals from infancy through adulthood?

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National Immunisation Schedule

The national immunization schedule spans from birth through adulthood, with specific vaccines administered at defined ages to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and reduce morbidity and mortality across the lifespan. 1

Infancy (Birth to 11 Months)

Birth

  • Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB): First dose administered prior to hospital discharge 1, 2
    • If mother is HBsAg-positive: administer HepB plus 0.5 mL hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth 1
    • If mother's HBsAg status unknown: administer HepB within 12 hours and determine status urgently 1

2 Months

  • Second dose HepB 2
  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - first dose 1, 2
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) - first dose 1, 2
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) - first dose 1, 2
  • Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) - first dose 1, 2
  • Rotavirus - first dose (between 6-12 weeks of age) 1, 2

4 Months

  • DTaP - second dose 1, 2
  • Hib - second dose 1, 2
  • PCV - second dose 1, 2
  • IPV - second dose 1, 2
  • Rotavirus - second dose 1, 2

6 Months

  • HepB - third dose (complete series by 6-18 months) 1, 2
  • DTaP - third dose 1, 2
  • Hib - third dose (depending on vaccine brand) 1, 2
  • PCV - third dose 1, 2
  • IPV - third dose 1, 2
  • Rotavirus - third dose if applicable (complete by 32 weeks of age) 1, 2
  • Influenza vaccine: Begin annual vaccination (two doses separated by 28 days for first-time recipients) 1, 2

Early Childhood (12 Months to 6 Years)

12-15 Months

  • Hib - fourth dose 1, 3
  • PCV - fourth dose 1, 3
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - first dose 1, 3
  • Varicella - first dose 1, 3
  • Hepatitis A (HepA) - first dose of two-dose series 1, 3

15-18 Months

  • DTaP - fourth dose (may be given as early as 12 months if 6 months elapsed since third dose) 1, 3

18-23 Months

  • HepA - second dose (at least 6 months after first dose) 1, 3

4-6 Years

  • DTaP - fifth dose 1, 3
  • IPV - fourth dose 1, 3
  • MMR - second dose 1, 3
  • Varicella - second dose 1, 3

Adolescence (11-18 Years)

11-12 Years

  • Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) - single dose 1, 3
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus) - two-dose series (0,6-12 months) for both males and females 1, 3
  • Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) - first dose 1, 3

16 Years

  • MenACWY - booster dose 1, 3
  • Meningococcal B (MenB) - may be administered based on individual clinical decision (ages 16-23, preferably 16-18) 1

Annual Throughout Childhood and Adolescence

  • Influenza vaccine - annually for all children 6 months through 18 years 1, 3

Adulthood (19 Years and Older)

Routine Adult Vaccinations

  • Td or Tdap booster - every 10 years 1
  • Influenza vaccine - annually 1
  • Pneumococcal vaccines: 1
    • Ages 19-64 with chronic conditions: PPSV23
    • Age 65+: PCV13 followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later
  • Zoster (Shingles) vaccine (RZV) - two-dose series for adults age 50+ (2-6 months apart) 1
  • HPV vaccine - catch-up through age 26 for those not previously vaccinated 1

Special Populations

  • Pregnant women: Tdap during each pregnancy (preferably weeks 27-36) 1
  • Healthcare personnel: MMR (two doses if born 1957 or later), varicella (two doses if no immunity) 1
  • Immunocompromised adults: Modified schedules with additional doses of pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines 1

Important Clinical Considerations

Simultaneous administration of all indicated vaccines at the same visit is strongly recommended to maximize immunization rates and ensure timely protection. 1

Key Principles

  • Catch-up schedules exist for delayed immunizations - vaccine series never needs to be restarted regardless of time elapsed between doses 1
  • Minimum intervals: Doses given ≥4 days before minimum interval are considered valid; doses given ≥5 days early must be repeated 1
  • Combination vaccines can be used whenever components are indicated and not contraindicated 1
  • Adverse events should be reported to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not delay the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine without physician order and documented negative maternal HBsAg 1
  • Do not start rotavirus series after 12 weeks of age or give any dose after 32 weeks of age 1
  • Do not count measles vaccine doses given before 12 months of age as part of the routine series 1
  • Ensure proper vaccine storage and handling to maintain efficacy 1

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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