Children typically receive around 15 different immunizations (shots or drops) by the age of 18, according to the standard childhood vaccine schedule. These vaccines protect against various diseases, and some vaccines protect against multiple diseases in one shot.

Vaccine Schedule Overview

• Children get vaccines starting right after birth and continue up to adolescence.
• By 2 years of age, children usually receive full protection with vaccines covering about 16 different diseases.
• Vaccination includes doses of Hepatitis B, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), IPV (polio), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis A, Hib, pneumococcal, influenza, HPV (starting in preteens), and meningococcal vaccines among others.

Typically Given Doses by Age Groups

• Newborns get their first Hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
• Infants get multiple doses at 2, 4, 6 months including vaccines for rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, pneumococcal, IPV.
• Toddlers get booster doses and first doses of MMR, varicella, Hepatitis A.
• Older children (4-6 years) get booster shots for MMR, DTaP, IPV, and varicella.
• Preteens receive HPV vaccine and meningococcal vaccine boosters.

In total, about 15 to 16 vaccine doses are scheduled throughout childhood and early adolescence to protect against a comprehensive list of diseases.