Vaccines at 12 to 23 Months

Image of smiling and laughing infant in an outdoor setting

Protect your baby against 14 potentially serious diseases before 2 years old with vaccines.

What vaccines will my baby get?

Between 12 and 23 months of age, your baby should receive vaccines to protect them from the following diseases:

Get tips to prepare for your baby’s well-child visits.

After vaccinations

Sometimes children have mild reactions from vaccines, such as pain at the injection site, a rash, or a fever. These reactions are normal and will soon go away.

  • Read the Vaccine Information Sheet(s) your child’s doctor gave you to learn about side effects your child may experience.
  • Offer breastmilk and liquids more often. It is normal for some children to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.
  • Pay extra attention to your child for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your child’s doctor.

Treat mild reactions from vaccines:

  • Use a cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness, soreness, and/or swelling at the injection site.
  • Reduce fever with a cool sponge bath.
  • Ask your child’s doctor if you can give your child a non-aspirin pain reliever.

Important developmental milestones

At 18 months, your baby is due for general developmental screening. Ask your child’s doctor about it.

Consult the immunizations and developmental milestone tracker to see milestones at ages 12, 15, 18, and 19–23 months.

Following the vaccine schedule

CDC, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule.