Childhood Vaccine Schedule 2025: What Parents Need to Know

Vaccines provide one of the most effective and easiest ways to safeguard our children from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that adherence to the childhood vaccination schedule is vital because it provides immunity early in life, before children are first exposed to such diseases.

That’s why in Pennsylvania, those attending childcare must provide proof of up-to-date immunizations. Through this policy, individual children begin to build their own immunity to serious illnesses while safeguarding the health of their peers and caretakers through outbreak prevention.

Why Following the Childhood Vaccine Schedule Matters

CDC guidelines for vaccines are updated annually to be accurately tailored to a child’s age, unique needs, and health milestones. Meanwhile, vaccines are rigorously tested to confirm safety and effectiveness for children at those recommended ages. 

On-time vaccinations are a key component of comprehensive pediatric care, as they start to work with the body’s natural defenses at a young age to safely build immunity. Without them, children are vulnerable to preventable illnesses. 

Vaccines are particularly important in childcare since following the vaccine schedule promotes herd immunity, where the risk for infection is low when a majority of those in a shared environment have been immunized or otherwise exposed to a disease.

Daycare Vaccine Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania regulations mandate that children attending childcare receive all immunizations according to the CDC’s childhood vaccination schedule. Families must provide proof of immunization for their children two months of age and older before their first day.

In the case of medical, religious, or other exemptions, families must supply documentation from their pediatrician stating the particular circumstance.

Pennsylvania Childhood Vaccine Schedule by Age

Birth–6 Months

During the newborn to six months stage, infants should receive the following vaccine or antibody dosages:

• DTaP (protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• Hepatitis B
• Hib
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• RSV (depending on mother’s vaccine status)
• Rotavirus
•  

Your child’s pediatrician will present you with the specific timing that will work best for your child and answer any questions you might have.

6–12 Months

Babies six months to 12 months will receive booster shots for the vaccination schedules they have started, as well as their first annual influenza shot. Regular well visits to the pediatrician will ensure children stay on track with immunizations and that families understand their benefits.

12–18 Months

At their 12-month checkup, children will receive continued booster shots as well as their first doses of the MMR (protecting from measles, mumps, and rubella), chickenpox, and hepatitis A vaccinations.

18 Months–6 Years (Kindergarten Readiness)

From 18 months to six years of age, children continue and complete their booster schedules, with final rounds of DTaP, polio, MMR, and chickenpox vaccinations taking place. Be sure to check with your elementary school and your pediatrician to ensure all school immunization requirements are met well before the big first day of school.

Keeping Your Vaccine Records Organized

It is very important to keep accurate and up-to-date vaccination records. Your pediatrician’s office will be able to print out the latest report or provide you with a wallet-size immunization card, and many offer digital access as well. There are even vaccine tracking apps available to keep health documentation at your fingertips. Whichever option is most convenient, carefully tracking vaccine records is critical to ensuring timely adherence to immunization schedules.

4 More Ways to Help Keep Your Child Healthy at Daycare

1. Hand Washing and Hygiene Habits

Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Start healthy habits early by teaching children to wash their hands regularly and particularly:

• Before and after a meal or snack
• After using the bathroom 
• After blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After coming in contact with an animal or animal food or waste
• After touching trash
•  

Proper handwashing techniques prevent the spread of germs. After lathering the tops and bottoms of hands, encourage children to sing the Happy Birthday song to ensure they scrub for at least 20 seconds.

2. Nutrition and Immune Support

In addition to following vaccine guidelines, nutritious meals play an important role in supporting a child’s developing immune system. As babies and toddlers begin to try new foods, a healthy, nutrient-rich variety will help ensure a balanced diet. 

Incorporating foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and D as well as selenium, iron, zinc, and probiotics helps strengthen immunity and provide other key benefits. Limiting added sugars and keeping children hydrated also contributes to a healthy start for growing bodies.

3. Adequate Sleep and Rest

Sleep is another critical component to promoting healthy habits and strong immune function. Recommended sleep schedules for young children advise the following daily totals:

• 4-12 months: 12-16 hours
• 1-2 years: 11-14 hours
• 3-5 years: 10-13 hours
•  

Naptime is included in these totals, so be sure to incorporate regular rest periods throughout the day.  

4. Staying Home When Sick

Keeping a child home when they’re not feeling well is crucial for limiting the spread of germs in childcare settings, where toys are often shared and touched by little hands. Kids also need time and rest to recover from an illness comfortably.

Childcare centers typically provide their own illness policies, but generally, if a child has a fever or is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, they should stay home until their symptoms are resolved and the contagious period has passed. Be sure to monitor for symptoms of illnesses or conditions that would suggest a sick day would be best.

Partner with Ducklings for a Healthy Childcare Environment

Ducklings Early Learning Center is committed to creating a nurturing and secure environment for our children and staff—which is why we’ve established and continue to enforce strict health and safety protocols. With these guidelines in place, we can focus on helping children learn, discover, and grow while creating peace of mind for families.

Get peace of mind that your child is in a healthy daycare environment—schedule a tour of your nearest Ducklings Early Learning Center today.