Baby Vaccines Schedule + What Actually Changes for Preemies or Late Babies

(The no-confusion guide so you know exactly what’s coming)

You open the vaccine card and it’s a wall of dates and acronyms.

You’re wondering “do we follow actual age or adjusted age for my preemie?” and “what if baby was late?”

Here’s the exact schedule parents and pediatricians actually use — plus the rules for preemies and overdue babies.

The Standard Schedule (Full-Term Babies)

• Birth → Hepatitis B #1
• 2 months → DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, Rotavirus, Hep B #2
• 4 months → same as 2 months
• 6 months → same + flu shot (every year after)
• 12 months → MMR, Varicella, Hep A #1, PCV13 #4
• 15–18 months → DTaP #4, Hib #4

Quick science: Vaccines are timed to when baby’s immune system can respond best — starting at 2 months gives protection before the highest-risk period for whooping cough and pneumococcal disease.

(Source: CDC Immunization Schedule 2024)

“Our pediatrician printed this exact chart. No more guessing.”

— Mom in r/NewParents

For Preemies or NICU Babies (Adjusted Age Rules)

• Use corrected age (age since due date) for ALL vaccines until 2 years old
• Exception: Hep B at birth and RSV antibody (Beyfortus) if under 8 months at start of RSV season
• Example: 32-week preemie at 2 months actual age = give vaccines at 4 months actual age

For Late Babies (Born 37–42 weeks)

• Follow the regular schedule by actual birthday
• No delay needed

Gear That Made a Difference for Parents

• Vaccine tracker app (like Vaxini or CDC app) “Never missed a shot.”
• FridaBaby MediFrida pacifier medicine dispenser “Tylenol after shots without a fight.”

Your Vaccine Checklist

• Full-term → actual age schedule
• Preemie → corrected age until 2 years
• Hep B at birth + RSV shot if eligible
• Flu shot every year starting 6 months
• Ask pediatrician for catch-up plan if behind

You’ve got this.

One tiny poke, one giant shield, one healthy kid at a time. ❤️