Complete Vaccination Schedule: Essential Vaccines for Children and Adults (2026)
Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of modern public health. The WHO estimates that immunization prevents 2-3 million deaths globally each year. Yet, faced with a thick vaccination booklet and a dizzying array of vaccines, many parents and adults feel lost: which ones are mandatory? When should they be given? What if I miss a dose? This guide helps you navigate the essentials. Note: provincial immunization schedules may have slight variations — always follow the guidance of your local CDC and vaccination clinic.
1. National Immunization Program (NIP) Schedule for Children
The following is the standard 2026 Chinese NIP schedule. All NIP vaccines are free and required for school enrollment.
At birth: Hepatitis B dose 1 (ideally within 24 hours), BCG (against tuberculous meningitis and disseminated TB).
1 month: Hepatitis B dose 2 (≥28 days after dose 1).
2 months: Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) dose 1. China's current polio schedule is 1 IPV + 3 bOPV (bivalent oral polio vaccine).
3 months: IPV dose 2, DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis) dose 1.
4 months: bOPV dose 1, DTaP dose 2.
5 months: DTaP dose 3.
6 months: Hepatitis B dose 3, group A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine dose 1.
8 months: MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) dose 1, Japanese encephalitis (JE) live attenuated dose 1.
9 months: Group A meningococcal dose 2 (≥3 months after dose 1).
18 months: DTaP dose 4, MMR dose 2, hepatitis A live attenuated vaccine.
2 years: JE dose 2.
3 years: Group A+C meningococcal polysaccharide dose 1.
4 years: bOPV dose 2.
6 years: Group A+C meningococcal dose 2, DT (diphtheria-tetanus) booster.
2. Recommended Non-NIP Vaccines
These vaccines require out-of-pocket payment but are no less important for disease prevention:
13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13): Prevents severe infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. The primary series typically starts at 6 weeks of age with 3-4 doses total. This is a WHO priority-recommended childhood vaccine.
Rotavirus vaccine: Prevents severe infant diarrhea (peak season autumn-winter). Oral administration. The pentavalent rotavirus vaccine starts at 6 weeks, 3 doses total at 4-10 week intervals.
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: 2 doses at ages 1 and 4. Some provinces now include this in the free NIP.
EV71 inactivated vaccine (hand-foot-mouth disease): 2 doses (1 month apart) for children 6 months to 5 years. EV71 is the main pathogen causing severe HFMD (encephalitis, pulmonary edema).
Influenza vaccine: Annually for everyone ≥6 months. Children aged 6 months to 8 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time need 2 doses (≥4 weeks apart), then 1 dose annually thereafter.
3. Essential Adult Vaccines
Vaccination is not just for children. Adults face vaccine-preventable disease threats, and immune function declines with age (immunosenescence).
Influenza vaccine: Annually for all adults, especially seniors, those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.
Tdap/Td booster: Every 10 years, with at least one dose containing pertussis (Tdap). Pregnant women should receive Tdap during weeks 27-36 of each pregnancy to protect newborns from pertussis.
Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine: Recommended for adults aged 50+. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) requires 2 doses 2-6 months apart. Highly effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.
Pneumococcal vaccine: Adults 65+ and high-risk adults (chronic heart/lung disease, diabetes, immunocompromised) should receive PPSV23. Some cases require PCV13 first.
HPV vaccine: Recommended for females aged 9-45 (prevents cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal cancers and genital warts) and males aged 9-26. Bivalent, quadrivalent, and 9-valent HPV vaccines are available.
Hepatitis B vaccine: If hepatitis B surface antibody is negative (no protective antibodies), complete the 3-dose series (0-1-6 month schedule).
Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare (~1 per million doses), but seek emergency care immediately or call emergency services if the following occur after vaccination: difficulty breathing or wheezing, facial/laryngeal swelling, widespread hives, confusion or fainting, or inconsolable crying lasting >3 hours (infants). Severe reactions typically occur within 30 minutes post-vaccination — this is why a 30-minute observation period is required.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vaccinate my child when they have a cold?
Mild cold symptoms (runny nose, no fever) usually do not contraindicate vaccination. If temperature is ≥37.5°C or the child is in the acute phase of an illness, defer until symptoms resolve. The vaccination clinic doctor makes the final call.
Can NIP and non-NIP vaccines be given together?
In most cases, yes. China's vaccination guidelines explicitly permit simultaneous administration of two or more injectable vaccines at different sites. This does not increase adverse reaction risk and reduces clinic visits.
What if we missed a scheduled dose?
Don't panic — nearly all vaccines can be caught up. Bring the vaccination record to your community health center; the doctor will create a personalized catch-up plan based on the child's age and prior doses.
References: National Health Commission — National Immunization Program Schedule (2021 Edition); Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Immunization Position Papers; Vaccination Work Standards (2023).