Did you know vaccines are one of the best ways you can set your child up for a healthy future?
Vaccines (shots) are special medicines that help our bodies learn how to fight diseases and keep us healthy. Since babies are not born with fully developed immune systems, they are at risk of getting seriously sick from certain illnesses. Getting certain shots in their first 15 months of life can help your child develop a stronger immune system and protection from diseases.
Get Vaccines at a Well-Child Visit
A Well-Child visit is when your child’s primary care provider (PCP)* checks your baby’s growth, development, and gives them any shots they need. If your child misses a shot, call their PCP to schedule a “catch-up” visit and get them back on track for a healthy immune system.
In addition to keeping your child up to date on their shots, you can earn a reward for completing Well-Child health visits and health screenings.
Get a $50 gift card for taking your baby to:
- 6 or more Well-Child visits in their first 15 months of life
- 1 childhood developmental screening in their first 36 months (3 years) of life. This usually occurs at 9 months or earlier
Learn more about SFHP health rewards.
Vaccine Schedule from Birth to 15 Months
The timing of when your child gets a shot impacts how well their immune system responds. By following the vaccine schedule below, and the guidance of your child’s PCP, you can help your child get the best protection from disease.
From birth to 15 months old, your child needs these shots and health screenings:
| Newborn: | Hepatitis B (Hep B) |
| 3-5 days old: | Hep B, if not given at the hospital or newborn visit |
| 1 month: | Hep B |
| 2 months: | HepB, Rotavirus (RV)**, Diphtheria (DTaP), Hemophilic Influenza type B (Hib)**, Pneumococcal (PCV), Polio (IPV) |
| 4 months: | RV**, DTaP, Hib**, PCV, IPV |
| 6 months: | HepB, RV**, DTaP, Hib**, PCV, IPV, COVID-19**, Flu** |
| 9 months: | Developmental screening |
| 12 months / 1 year: | Blood lead screening, (ACE) Adverse Childhood Experiences screening, HepB, Hib**, DTaP, PCV, IPV, COVID-19**, Measles (MMR), Chickenpox (VAR), Hepatitis A (HepA), Flu** |
| 15 months: | Flu if not given before**, COVID-19**, any missing vaccines |
**Make sure to talk to your child’s PCP about how many doses they need.
Additional Resources for Parents
If you have questions about vaccine doses, timing, or a “catch-up” visit, talk to your baby’s PCP. You can also view the full vaccine schedules recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Go to cdc.gov to see when kids, adolescents, and adults need to get shots to stay healthy.
Get support from SFHP:
Doula care: You can get support from a doula (birth worker) before, during, and for up to a year after the end of your pregnancy. A doula can help you learn about vaccines, schedule a Well-Child visit, and more. Find out how to get a doula.
Transportation: SFHP members can get rides to and from health visits at no cost. To schedule a ride for you and your child, you must ask your PCP/OB-GYN before your health visit. Learn how to request transportation.
*A primary care provider (PCP) is your main doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.
