Guide
What shots are due at the 15-to-18-month visit?
At the 15-to-18-month visit the on-time CDC schedule lists 2 vaccines (DTaP and HepA): 2 shots. By the end of this visit 25 of the 29 routine doses have been listed.
Key takeaways
- 2 doses are due at 15 to 18 months: DTaP 4/5, HepA 2/2.
- Running total: 25 of 29 routine doses by this visit, 4 still to come.
- None of the 2 doses at 15 to 18 months has a hard age limit, so each can be moved if your clinician agrees. This is the on-time schedule, and your clinician sets your visit.
Due at 15 to 18 months
| Vaccine | Dose | Protects against | Can it wait? |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTaP | 4 of 5 | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) | Can wait until age 4 and then be the final dose, at least 6 months after the one before: 4 doses instead of 5. |
| HepA | 2 of 2 | Hepatitis A | No fewer doses by waiting (2); at least 6 months after dose 1. |
This is the on-time schedule. Your clinician sets your visit and may combine, move or skip items for your child.
Also allowed in this window
- HepB dose 3 (CDC window 6 months to 18 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
- IPV dose 3 (CDC window 6 months to 18 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
- Hib dose 4 (CDC window 12 months to 15 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
- PCV dose 4 (CDC window 12 months to 15 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
- MMR dose 1 (CDC window 12 months to 15 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
- VAR dose 1 (CDC window 12 months to 15 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
- HepA dose 1 (CDC window 12 months to 23 months) can be given at 15 to 18 months; usually given earlier, so check whether it is already done.
Questions parents ask about this visit
How many shots at the 15-to-18-month visit?
The on-time schedule lists 2 vaccines at 15 to 18 months: 2 shots. 7 more doses can also be given in this window (HepB 3, IPV 3, Hib 4, PCV 4, MMR 1, VAR 1 and HepA 1).
Can the 15-to-18-month shots be spaced out?
At 15 to 18 months, dose by dose: DTaP can be spaced, and the series can end one dose early if the last dose waits until age 4; HepA can be spaced but keep its dose count. Your clinician sets the actual plan.
Can DTaP dose 4 wait until age 4?
The planner's delayed path does that: dose 4 moves to age 4 or later, at least 6 months after dose 3, and the 5th dose is dropped, so the series is 4 doses instead of 5. The cost is about 33 months more without that dose. The on-time dose here is due at 15 to 18 months.
When is the second hepatitis A dose?
At least 6 months after the first. A child whose first dose was at 12 months is eligible at 18 months, which falls in this visit.
Space these shots out with the planner
Choose how many vaccines per visit and how far apart; the planner checks every minimum age and interval.
Build a plan Gentle pace (2 per visit)Sources
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