Vaccines at 6 Months

Protect your baby against 14 potentially serious diseases before 2 years old with vaccines.
What vaccines will my baby get?
At 6 months of age, your baby should receive vaccines to protect them from the following diseases:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP) (3rd dose)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (Hib) (3rd dose)
- Polio (IPV) (3rd dose)
- Pneumococcal disease (PCV) (3rd dose)
- Rotavirus (RV) (3rd dose)
- Influenza (Flu) (every year)
After vaccination
Sometimes children have mild reactions from shots, 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
Get tips to prepare for your baby’s well-child visits.
By 6 months, most babies:
- Know familiar faces
- Respond to own name
- Bring things to mouth
- Roll over in both directions
- String vowels together when babbling (“ah”, “eh”, “oh”)
CDC, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule.
- Get a list of vaccines that your child may need based on age, health conditions, and other factors.
- Learn the reasons why you should follow the vaccine schedule.
Related pages:
- How Vaccines Prevent Diseases
- Is your Family Planning to Travel? Get Vaccinated Before You Leave
- Vaccines and Your Child’s Immune System
- Your Child’s Vaccine Visit
- Why it is Important to Protect Children with Vaccines
- How the childhood schedule is set to protect your baby
- Risks and responsibilities if you choose not to vaccinate your child