Vaccines
Vaccines (also called immunizations) keep your child healthy by protecting against infectious illnesses. Your child needs many vaccines their first year. Vaccines are important to your child's health and are required to attend school. Make sure they get them to stay healthy and happy.
Vaccination tips
- Stay on schedule with your child’s vaccinations.
- Talk with your child’s provider if you have any questions or concerns about vaccines.
- If your child is afraid of needles, you can help them conquer their fear using these tips.
- If your child has missed a vaccine, there’s no need to worry. Your child may still be able to get the vaccine. Talk with your child’s provider about a catch-up vaccine schedule.
Where your child can get vaccines
As an HPSM member between 0 to 18 years old, your child can get the vaccines they need by visiting their primary care provider (PCP). Members who are 19 years or older can get their needed vaccines by visiting their PCP or a local pharmacy.
If your child does not have their own PCP, and you need help selecting one, call HPSM Member Services. You can also select their PCP online using the Member Portal at any time.
Stay on track with your child’s vaccines
Below are the recommended vaccines for all children from birth to six years old. Ages may vary for children who are catching up on missed vaccines or are in certain high-risk groups. For more details on the vaccine schedule for older children and teens, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Birth to two years old
Children need these vaccines:
| Vaccine | Ages | Doses |
| Hepatitis B (HepB) | Starting at birth | 3 |
| Rotavirus (RV) | Starting at 2 months old | 2-3* |
| Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) | Starting at 2 months old | 4 |
| Meningitis (Hib) | Starting at 2 months old | 3-4* |
| Pneumonia (PCV) | Starting at 2 months old | 4 |
| Polio (IPV) | Starting at 2 months old | 3 |
| Influenza (Flu) | Starting at 6 months old | Annual** |
| Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) | Starting at 6 months old | Ongoing* |
| Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) | Starting at 12 months old | 2 |
| Chickenpox (Varicella) | Between 12 and 15 months old | 1 |
| Hepatitis A (HepA) | Starting at 12 months old | 2 |
From three to six years old
Children need these vaccines:
| Vaccine | Ages | Doses |
| Influenza (Flu) | Starting at 6 months old | Annual** |
| Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) | Starting at 6 months old | Ongoing* |
| Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) | Between 4 & 6 years old | 1 |
| Polio (IPV) | Between 4 & 6 years old | 1 |
| Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) | Between 4 & 6 years old | 1 |
| Chickenpox (Varicella) | Between 4 & 6 years old | 1 |
* Total number of vaccines depend on child’s age and type of vaccine.
** For children six months to eight years old getting the flu vaccine for the first time. It is recommended to get two doses at least four weeks apart.
Download the child vaccine quick guide
Keep track of the vaccines your child receives between birth and six years old.
You can also get information about children's vaccinations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).