Childhood Vaccination Schedule: What Memphis Parents Need to Know

Keeping up with childhood vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s health and one of the most overwhelming for new parents. There are many vaccines, given at different ages, sometimes in groups, with names that don’t always make it clear what they protect against.

Here’s a clear, practical overview of the recommended schedule, what each vaccine protects against, and how to keep on track.

Why vaccines matter

Vaccines protect children from diseases that, in earlier generations, caused widespread illness, hospitalization, and death. Diseases like measles, whooping cough, polio, and bacterial meningitis are largely controlled today because of consistent vaccination but they’re not eliminated. When vaccination rates drop in a community, these illnesses can return.

Vaccines also protect children too young to be vaccinated, people with weakened immune systems, and others who can’t safely receive vaccines themselves. It’s a community-wide protection.

The recommended schedule

The schedule below is based on CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. Your child’s doctor will tailor it to their specific health situation.

Birth

• Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose, often given at the hospital

2 months

• HepB (2nd dose)
• Rotavirus (RV): Protects against severe diarrhea
• DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b (bacterial meningitis prevention)
• PCV: Pneumococcal (pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis)
• IPV: Polio

4 months

• Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV (next doses)

6 months

• HepB, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV (next doses)
• Influenza: Annual flu shot, recommended every fall

12–15 months

• MMR: Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Varicella: Chickenpox
• HepA: Hepatitis A (first dose)
• Hib and PCV (final doses)

12–18 months

• HepA (second dose)

15–18 months

• DTaP booster

4–6 years

• DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella boosters (school-entry boosters)
• Annual flu shot

11–12 years

• Tdap: Booster for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
• HPV: Protects against several cancers caused by human papillomavirus
• Meningococcal (MenACWY): First dose, important before middle/high school

16 years

• Meningococcal (MenACWY) booster
• MenB: Some teens also get the meningococcal B vaccine

Vaccines for specific situations

Some kids need additional vaccines based on health conditions, travel, or local outbreaks:

• COVID-19: Recommendations have evolved; ask your doctor what’s current for your child’s age
• Yellow fever, typhoid, etc.  For international travel
• RSV antibody: For some infants during RSV season

Common parent questions

“Can my child get sick from the vaccine?” Most vaccine side effects are mild; soreness at the injection site, a mild fever, or fussiness for a day. Severe reactions are rare. Vaccines don’t give your child the disease they’re protecting against.

“What if we fall behind?” Children who miss vaccines can catch up at any age. There’s a specific “catch-up schedule” your doctor will use. Don’t avoid the doctor because you’re behind, start where you are.

“Are vaccines safe for children with allergies?” In most cases, yes. Some specific vaccines have egg or other allergy considerations. Tell your doctor about any allergies and they’ll make appropriate adjustments.

“What about religious or personal exemptions?” Tennessee allows medical exemptions and religious exemptions for school entry. If you’re considering an exemption, talk with your doctor, many concerns parents have can be addressed without skipping protection your child needs.

What to expect at a vaccination visit

A typical vaccination visit at our clinic includes:

• Review of your child’s medical history
• A discussion of which vaccines are due
• The vaccines themselves (usually a quick injection per vaccine)
• A brief observation period after vaccines that include certain ingredients
• An updated immunization record for your files

We always go over what to expect afterward, including mild fussiness, low-grade fever, or soreness and what to watch for.

How Beloved Medical can help

We’re a family practice in Cordova, TN, with a dedicated pediatrician Dr. Yemi and family doctors experienced in pediatric care across every age. We can keep your child on schedule from infancy through teenage years, including school-entry shots and sports physicals.

What we offer:

• Complete childhood vaccination schedule
• Catch-up vaccines for kids who’ve fallen behind
• School-entry and sports physical vaccinations
• Travel vaccines when applicable
• Annual flu shots
• Same-day appointments often available

To schedule a vaccination visit:

• Call (901) 249-0847
• Or click to book an appointment online

We see kids from across Cordova, Memphis, Bartlett, and Germantown. Most insurance plans cover routine childhood vaccinations as preventive care.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for the right vaccination schedule for your child’s specific situation.