Ages 1–4: what to watch for
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General information only. Not medical advice and not a substitute for a doctor.
Elsewhere, call your local emergency number.
How the body typically changes
- From birth to age 5, children reach developmental milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act and move, such as smiling for the first time, taking a first step and waving goodbye. Source
- Most babies start teething at around 6 months, though some start before 4 months and others after 12 months. Most children have all their milk teeth by the time they are 2 to 3 years old. Source
- Between ages 1 and 2, toddlers typically move around more, explore new objects, copy adults and older children, show more independence and can recognise themselves in pictures or a mirror. Source
- By 2 years of age, most children can kick a ball, run, walk up a few stairs, eat with a spoon and put at least 2 words together. Source
- Between ages 3 and 5, children usually become more independent and more interested in people outside the family; they can help dress themselves, recall part of a story, sing songs and play with other children. Source
Main health risks
- Worldwide, drowning rates are highest among children aged 4 and under, and drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children aged 1 to 14. The risk rises when children are around water without active adult supervision. Source
- Whole nuts can make young children choke, and NHS guidance advises not giving them to children under 5 years old. (England, UK) Source
Population data
| Country | Sex | Average years left at age 1 | Deaths before age 5, per thousand people of this age |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Girls | 81.2 | 0.8 |
| United States | Boys | 76.3 | 1.0 |
| England, UK* | Girls | 82.5 | 0.5 |
| England, UK* | Boys | 78.7 | 0.5 |
| China | Girls | 80.3 | 1.9 |
| China | Boys | 74.6 | 2.3 |
| Japan | Girls | 86.9 | 0.6 |
| Japan | Boys | 80.8 | 0.6 |
| Spain | Girls | 85.5 | 0.5 |
| Spain | Boys | 80.2 | 0.5 |
| Brazil | Girls | 78.8 | 1.7 |
| Brazil | Boys | 72.8 | 1.8 |
Averages for whole populations from the United Nations; they say nothing about any one person. Figures are United Nations estimates for 2023. *UN data covers the whole United Kingdom; the guidelines shown are for England. Source: UN DESA, Population Division (2024), World Population Prospects 2024, CC BY 3.0 IGO; calculated and translated by Age Flags.
Screenings and vaccines by country
Showing: United States · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
US vaccination schedules have changed in recent years; check the current schedule on the CDC website. CDC immunization schedules Congressional Research Service overview
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B vaccine Hepatitis B vaccination |
up to age 18 | at birth, 1–2 months, 6–18 months · When the mother tests negative for hepatitis B, medically stable babies above the low-birth-weight cut-off get the first dose within 24 hours of birth; other situations follow different timing (see the CDC notes). The age range includes catch-up: unvaccinated children and teens should complete the series. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Protect Yourself from Hepatitis B |
|
| DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15–18 months, 4–6 years | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine VIS · CDC immunization schedule Child Immunization Schedule Notes (Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States) Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations (for healthcare providers) |
|
| Hib vaccine Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccination |
2 months to 4 years 11 months | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12–15 months · The dose at 6 months depends on the brand (PedvaxHIB is a three-dose series without it). The age range includes catch-up for children who missed doses; how many they need depends on their age. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule Hib Vaccination |
|
| Polio vaccine (inactivated, IPV) Polio vaccination |
2 months to 18 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, 4–6 years · The age range includes catch-up: adolescents age 18 who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated complete the primary series. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule Polio Vaccine VIS Polio Vaccine Recommendations (for healthcare providers) |
|
| Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) Pneumococcal vaccination |
from 2 months until your 5th birthday | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12–15 months · The age range includes catch-up for children who miss doses or start late; how many doses they need depends on their age. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations · CDC immunization schedule Child Immunization Schedule Notes (Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States) |
|
| Flu vaccine (any type suitable for age and health) Flu vaccination |
6 months to 18 years | 6 months to 18 years · Children aged 6 months to 8 years who have had fewer than two flu vaccine doses before (see the source for the cut-off date), or whose history is unknown, need two doses at least 4 weeks apart; everyone else needs one dose each season. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Get Your Pre-teen's Vaccines on Schedule |
|
| Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis A vaccination |
12 months to 18 years | 12–23 months, at least 6 months after the previous dose · The age range includes catch-up: unvaccinated children and teens should complete the two-dose series. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule |
|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 18 years | 12–15 months, 4–6 years · The age range includes catch-up: unvaccinated children and teens get two doses at least 4 weeks apart. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule |
|
| Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination |
12 months to 18 years | 12–15 months, 4–6 years · The second dose may be given as early as 3 months after the first. The age range includes catch-up (two doses) for children and teens without evidence of immunity. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule |
Showing: England, UK · UK Health Security Agency · NHS England
Items for the United Kingdom cover England only.
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MenB vaccine Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination |
8 weeks to 1 year | 1 year | UK Health Security Agency · Complete routine immunisation schedule · National programme MenB vaccine for children |
|
| Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pneumococcal vaccination |
16 weeks to 1 year | 1 year | UK Health Security Agency · Changes to the infant pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedule: information for healthcare practitioners · National programme Pneumococcal vaccine Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 |
|
| MMRV vaccine Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccination |
12 to 18 months old; born on or after | 12 months, 18 months | UK Health Security Agency · Childhood schedule changes 2025 and 2026: information for healthcare practitioners · National programme MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox) vaccine Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 |
|
| 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib and hepatitis B vaccination |
18 months old; born on or after | 18 months | UK Health Security Agency · Complete routine immunisation schedule · National programme 6-in-1 vaccine Childhood schedule changes 2025 and 2026: information for healthcare practitioners |
|
| MMRV vaccine Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccination |
18 months to 3 years 4 months; born on or after ; born on or before | 18 months, 3 years 4 months | UK Health Security Agency · Childhood schedule changes 2025 and 2026: information for healthcare practitioners · National programme MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox) vaccine Introduction of a routine varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme for children at one year and at 18 months |
|
| Children's flu vaccine Flu vaccination |
ages 2 to 15 | 2–15 years · Given every year until children finish Year 11 of secondary school. | NHS England · NHS vaccinations and when to have them · National programme National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter Children's flu vaccine Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 |
|
| 4-in-1 pre-school booster (dTaP/IPV) Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio vaccination |
3 years 4 months old | 3 years 4 months | NHS England · NHS vaccinations and when to have them · National programme Childhood schedule changes 2025 and 2026: information for healthcare practitioners Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine |
|
| MMRV vaccine Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccination |
3 years 4 months old; born on or after ; born on or before | 3 years 4 months | UK Health Security Agency · Introduction of a routine varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme for children at one year and at 18 months · National programme MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox) vaccine Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 |
Showing: China · National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Vaccines
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal flu vaccine (inactivated or live attenuated) Flu vaccination |
from 6 months | every year · Priority groups are health workers, people aged 60 and over, people with chronic conditions, care-home residents and staff, children aged 6 months to under 5 years, carers of babies under 6 months and pregnant women. Children under 9 years having their first inactivated vaccine need two doses at least 4 weeks apart. | Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention · 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027) · Technical guideline 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027)（发布页） |
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B vaccine Hepatitis B vaccination |
until your 18th birthday | at birth, 1 month, 6 months · The first dose is given within 24 hours of birth. The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not completed the series. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局综合司 国家卫生健康委办公厅关于调整国家免疫规划百白破疫苗和白破疫苗免疫程序的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2024〕20号） 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Polio vaccine (inactivated IPV injection, then oral bOPV) Polio vaccination |
from 2 months until your 18th birthday | 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 4 years · The first two doses are inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) by injection; the last two are oral bivalent polio vaccine (bOPV). The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not had all their doses (IPV first, then bOPV). | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Meningococcal group A polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV-A) Meningococcal groups A and C vaccination |
from 6 months until your 2nd birthday | 6 months, 9 months · The two doses are at least 3 months apart. Missed doses are caught up only before 24 months of age; older children no longer get MPSV-A and go on to the two doses of group A and C vaccine (MPSV-AC). | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Japanese encephalitis vaccine Japanese encephalitis vaccination |
from 8 months until your 18th birthday | 8 months, 2 years · Doses shown are for the live attenuated vaccine (JE-L); with the inactivated vaccine (JE-I), 4 doses are given: two at 8 months, 7-10 days apart, then one each at ages 2 and 6 years. Catch-up covers children born after the vaccine entered the immunization programme (later in Tibet, Qinghai and Xinjiang than elsewhere). | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
from 8 months until your 18th birthday | 8 months, 18 months · The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not had all their doses of measles-, mumps- and rubella-containing vaccine. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis A vaccination |
from 18 months until your 18th birthday | 18 months · Dose shown is for the live attenuated vaccine (HepA-L). Where the inactivated vaccine (HepA-I) is used instead, 2 doses are given, at 18 months and at age 2. The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not had their doses. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Meningococcal groups A and C polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV-AC) Meningococcal groups A and C vaccination |
from age 2 until your 18th birthday | 3 years · The two doses are at least 3 years apart. Catch-up covers children born after meningococcal vaccine was included in the immunization programme; from 24 months, MPSV-A is no longer given but both MPSV-AC doses are still completed, and a child who never had MPSV-A can have MPSV-AC early, before age 3. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
Showing: Japan · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan)
In Japan, cancer screening is carried out by municipalities.
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five-in-one vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib) Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib vaccination |
2 months to under 7 years 6 months | 2–7 months (standard timing: before 7 months), 20–56 days after the previous dose, 20–56 days after the previous dose, 6–18 months after the previous dose | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 5種混合ワクチン(厚生労働省) · Set by law 定期接種実施要領（厚生労働省健康・生活衛生局長通知別添） 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） |
|
| Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pneumococcal vaccination |
from 2 months until your 5th birthday | 2–7 months (standard timing: before 7 months), 12–15 months (standard timing: before 15 months) · Schedule shown for a first dose before age 7 months; children who start later need fewer doses. The booster is given at least 60 days after the primary series. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） 子どもの肺炎球菌ワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| Japanese encephalitis vaccine Japanese encephalitis vaccination |
6 months to under 7 years 6 months | 3–4 years (standard timing: before 4 years), 6–28 days after the previous dose, 4–5 years (standard timing: before 5 years) · First-stage doses (two primary doses, then a booster about one year later). The dose ages shown are the standard ages; routine (publicly funded) vaccination covers the whole age range shown. The second-stage dose is listed separately. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） 日本脳炎ワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| MR vaccine (measles-rubella) Measles and rubella vaccination |
from 12 months until your 2nd birthday | 12–24 months (complete before 24 months) · First-stage dose; the second dose is given in the year before the child starts elementary school. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） MRワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination |
from 12 months until your 3rd birthday | 12–15 months (standard timing: before 15 months), 6–12 months after the previous dose · The minimum interval between the two doses is 3 months. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） 水痘ワクチン（厚生労働省） |
Showing: Spain · Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain)
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MenB vaccine Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination |
2 to 12 months old | 12 months | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme |
|
| MenC vaccine (meningococcal group C) Meningococcal group C (MenC) vaccination |
4 to 12 months old | 12 months | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme |
|
| Flu vaccine (any type suitable for age and health) Flu vaccination |
6 months to 4 years 11 months | 6 months to 4 years 11 months · One dose in each flu season. | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme Recomendaciones de vacunación frente a la gripe. Temporada 2026-2027, España (Comisión de Salud Pública, 14 de mayo de 2026) Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Gripe (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) |
|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 4 years | 12 months, 3–4 years | Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain) · Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación: Sarampión · National programme Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Parotiditis (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Rubeola (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 (aprobado por el CISNS el 12 de diciembre de 2025) |
|
| Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination |
15 months to 4 years | 15 months, 3–4 years · Adolescents who have neither had chickenpox nor been vaccinated get two doses at least 4 weeks apart (preferably 8 weeks), or complete the course if they had one dose before. | Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain) · Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación: Varicela · National programme Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 (aprobado por el CISNS el 12 de diciembre de 2025) |
Showing: Brazil · Ministério da Saúde (Brazil)
Starting in this age range
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) — 12 months to 29 years
Vaccines
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 29 years | Anyone without proof of 2 doses starts or completes the course, with doses 30 days apart. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCG vaccine Tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination |
up to age 4 | at birth · A child who missed the birth dose can still have it, if they have no symptoms or signs of a weakened immune system and after assessment by the health service. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pneumococcal vaccination |
2 months to 4 years | 2 months, 4 months, 12 months · During the switch from PCV10 to PCV20, the first dose and the booster are PCV20 and the second dose is PCV10. Fewer doses are needed when vaccination starts late: a child aged 12 months or older with no earlier doses gets a single PCV20 dose. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Pentavalent vaccine (DTP-Hib-HepB, whole-cell pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib and hepatitis B vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months · The two booster doses that follow are given with the DTP vaccine (see the DTP entry). | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Polio vaccine (inactivated, IPV) Polio vaccination |
2 months to 4 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 months, 4 years | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
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| COVID-19 vaccine COVID-19 vaccination |
6 months to 4 years | 6 months, 7 months, 9 months · The course uses the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine; healthy children who have completed it do not need routine further doses. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Inactivated flu vaccine (injection) Flu vaccination |
6 months to 5 years | 6 months to 5 years · Given every flu season; a child having it for the first time needs 2 doses 30 days apart, then a single dose in each later year. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Yellow fever vaccine (live attenuated) Yellow fever vaccination |
9 months to 4 years | 9 months, 4 years · Recommended throughout Brazil. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| MenACWY vaccine Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) vaccination |
12 months to 4 years | 12 months · A booster dose; if it cannot be given at 12 months, give it as soon as possible, up to 4 years, 11 months and 29 days of age. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
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| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 to 15 months old | 12 months, 15 months | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| DTP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and whole-cell pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
15 months to 6 years | 15 months, 4 years · Booster doses after the three doses of the pentavalent vaccine (DTP-Hib-HepB); later boosters use the adult-type dT vaccine. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis A vaccination |
15 months to 4 years | 15 months | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination |
15 months to 6 years | 15 months, 4 years · For children who have not had chickenpox (or are not sure). If the single varicella vaccine is not available, the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine can be used. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
How countries compare
Each country bases its guidelines on its own evidence reviews and health system. Age Flags lists them side by side and does not judge between them.
| Item | United States | England, UK | China | Japan | Spain | Brazil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flu vaccination |
6 months to 18 years
every year |
ages 2 to 15
every year |
from 6 months
every year |
— |
6 months to 4 years 11 months
|
6 months to 5 years
|
| Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 18 years
|
Combined vaccines that also cover this may be listed in the country's full schedule: England, UK |
from 8 months until your 18th birthday
|
Combined vaccines that also cover this may be listed in the country's full schedule: Japan |
12 months to 4 years
|
12 months to 29 years
12 to 15 months old
|
Everyday health
- Recommended sleep for toddlers aged 1 to 2 years is 11 to 14 hours a day, including naps. Source
- Recommended sleep for children aged 3 to 5 years is 10 to 13 hours a day, including naps. Source
- WHO guidelines advise that children aged 1 to 4 spend at least 180 minutes a day in a variety of physical activities, including at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity from age 3. Sedentary screen time is not recommended for 1-year-olds and should be no more than 1 hour a day from age 2; less is better. Source
- WHO and UNICEF recommend starting breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, giving only breast milk for the first 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond while safe, nutritious solid foods are added from 6 months. Source
- UK guidance sets a daily maximum of 19g of free sugars for children aged 4 to 6 and 24g for children aged 7 to 10. (England, UK) Source
If your ancestry or background is…
Fair skin types
USPSTF (US) guidance says people with fair skin types (pale skin, light hair and eye colour, freckles, or skin that sunburns easily) are at higher risk of skin cancer. It recommends counselling people aged 6 months to 24 years, and parents of young children, about limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and selectively offering this counselling to adults older than 24.
US Preventive Services Task Force · Source
Born in, or with parents from, a region where hepatitis B is more common
CDC (US) guidelines list people born in regions where hepatitis B infection prevalence is 2% or more among those at increased risk, and recommend testing them, regardless of age, if they may have been susceptible to infection. The same applies to people born in the United States who were not vaccinated as infants and whose parents were born in regions where prevalence is 8% or more.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Source
Ancestry is a population-level stand-in for risk factors, not a biological cause. Your own situation is for your doctor to judge.
When to see a doctor
- NHS guidance lists signs that a baby or child under 5 years old needs emergency care, including difficulty breathing; blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue; a rash that does not fade when pressed; being very hard to wake; a seizure; or no pee in the past 12 hours. If a child has any of these signs, call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department straight away. Source
- NHS guidance says a temperature of 38°C or higher for more than 5 days in a child aged 3 months to 5 years may be a sign of serious illness. Contact a doctor or local health service; in an emergency, call your local emergency number. (England, UK) Source
- Children under 5 years old have a higher risk of dehydration. A sunken soft spot on a baby's head, few or no tears when crying, fewer wet nappies or a child seeming drowsy can be signs of serious dehydration that NHS guidance says need urgent advice. Contact a doctor or local health service; in an emergency, call your local emergency number. Source
- If a young child is missing milestones for their age, or there are concerns about their development, CDC guidance is to talk with the child's doctor, share the concerns and ask about developmental screening rather than wait. Source
If you are worried about a symptom, contact a doctor or your local health service. In an emergency, call the emergency number for your country.
Common questions
Which items start in this age range in Brazil?
For example: MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella). Guideline: Ministério da Saúde (Brazil). Who it is for: 12 months to 29 years. How often / doses: Anyone without proof of 2 doses starts or completes the course, with doses 30 days apart.
Sources
- Child Immunization Schedule Notes (Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States) · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Protect Yourself from Hepatitis B · Checked:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine VIS · Checked:
- Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations (for healthcare providers) · Checked:
- Hib Vaccination · Checked:
- Polio Vaccine VIS · Checked:
- Polio Vaccine Recommendations (for healthcare providers) · Checked:
- Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations (for healthcare providers) · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Get Your Pre-teen's Vaccines on Schedule · Checked:
- Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 · Checked:
- MenB vaccine for children · Checked:
- Changes to the infant pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedule: information for healthcare practitioners · Checked:
- Pneumococcal vaccine · Checked:
- Childhood schedule changes 2025 and 2026: information for healthcare practitioners · Checked:
- MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox) vaccine · Checked:
- 6-in-1 vaccine · Checked:
- Introduction of a routine varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme for children at one year and at 18 months · Checked:
- NHS vaccinations and when to have them · Checked:
- National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter · Checked:
- Children's flu vaccine · Checked:
- 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine · Checked:
- 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027) · Checked:
- 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027)（发布页） · Checked:
- 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · Checked:
- 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） · Checked:
- 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） · Checked:
- 国家疾控局综合司 国家卫生健康委办公厅关于调整国家免疫规划百白破疫苗和白破疫苗免疫程序的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2024〕20号） · Checked:
- 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 · Checked:
- 5種混合ワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- 定期接種実施要領（厚生労働省健康・生活衛生局長通知別添） · Checked:
- 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） · Checked:
- 子どもの肺炎球菌ワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- 日本脳炎ワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- MRワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- 水痘ワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 (aprobado por el CISNS el 12 de diciembre de 2025) · Checked:
- Recomendaciones de vacunación frente a la gripe. Temporada 2026-2027, España (Comisión de Salud Pública, 14 de mayo de 2026) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Gripe (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Sarampión (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Parotiditis (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Rubeola (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Varicela (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 (Ministério da Saúde, DPNI/SVSA) · Checked:
- Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) · Checked:
- CDC: Developmental Milestones Matter! · Checked:
- NHS: Baby teething symptoms · Checked:
- CDC: Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (1-2 years old) · Checked:
- CDC: Milestones by 2 Years · Checked:
- CDC: Positive Parenting Tips: Preschoolers (3-5 years old) · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Drowning · Checked:
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children · Checked:
- CDC: About Sleep · Checked:
- WHO news release: To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Infant and young child feeding · Checked:
- NHS: Sugar: the facts · Checked:
- NHS: When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5 · Checked:
- NHS: Dehydration · Checked:
- Skin Cancer Prevention: Behavioral Counseling (USPSTF Final Recommendation Statement) · Checked:
- Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: CDC Recommendations — United States, 2023 (MMWR Recomm Rep 72(1)) · Checked:
Material adapted from the US Preventive Services Task Force has not been reviewed or endorsed by AHRQ or HHS.
Source: website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (the pages listed above), adapted by Age Flags.
Figures are restated from the publishers listed above; the original guidelines remain theirs. Some content contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Adapted content has not been reviewed or endorsed by the original publishers.
Emergency and crisis lines
United States
Emergency 911 Emergency services (United States) · Source
Crisis line 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States) · Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. · Source
United Kingdom
Emergency 999 NHS England · Source
Health advice 111 NHS England · Source
Crisis line 116 123 Samaritans · Open 24 hours a day. · Source
China
Emergency 120 National Health Commission (China) · Source
Crisis line 12356 National Health Commission (China) · Each line provides at least 18 hours of service a day under the national notice; hours vary by city. · Source
Japan
Emergency 119 Fire and Disaster Management Agency (Japan) · Source
Crisis line 0120‑061‑338 #いのちSOS (Lifelink) · Open 24 hours a day, every day (free call). · Source
Crisis line 0120‑279‑338 Yorisoi Hotline · Open 24 hours a day (free call). · Source
Spain
Emergency 112 Emergency services (Spain) · Source
Crisis line 024 Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain) · Free and confidential, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. · Source
Brazil
Emergency 192 Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Source
Crisis line 188 CVV — Centro de Valorização da Vida · Free, 24 hours a day, anywhere in Brazil. · Source
Elsewhere, call your local emergency number.