Vaccines for Infants, Children, and Adolescents

On this page:
Recommended immunization schedules
Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program
Child care and K-12 immunization requirements
Minnesota immunization laws
How to comfort your child during immunizations

Recommended immunization schedules

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides answers to frequently asked questions at All About the AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule. It also includes the following schedules (in English and Spanish):
  • Recommended Immunizations for Children Birth Through 6 Years Old (PDF)
  • Recommended Immunizations for Adolescents 7 Through 18 Years Old (PDF)
• Well-child Visits and Immunization
  Information on access to health care providers, clinics and health coverage options.
• Teens Need Vaccines, Too! (PDF)
  Fact sheet showing vaccines needed for kids starting at 9-years-old and going through the teen years, until they are up-to-date.

Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program

The MnVFC program offers free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children 18 years of age and younger. This helps ensure that children are vaccinated on time by not letting the cost of vaccines prevent a parent or guardian from having their child receive recommended vaccines. For more information visit Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children.

Child care and K-12 immunization requirements

Charts showing vaccines needed by age and for enrolling in child care, early childhood programs, and school in Minnesota.

Are Your Kids Ready? Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Immunization Law (PDF) Updated 12/23/24
Use this document to see what vaccines are required for your child to enroll in child care, and early childhood programs in Minnesota and to document medical and non-medical exemptions.

Are Your Kids Ready? Minnesota K-12 Immunization Law (PDF) Updated 8/16/24
Use this document to see what vaccines are required for your child to enroll in K-12 school in Minnesota and to document medical and non-medical exemptions.

Minnesota immunization laws

Minnesota's Immunization Law Exemption Provision
A summary of how to obtain a medical and conscientious exemption to the Minnesota immunization law.

How to comfort your child during immunizations

• Ask any questions you or your child have about vaccination.
• Use these comfort measures to decrease your child's pain and anxiety:
  • Have them sit on your lap and embrace them.
  • Listen to their favorite music with headphones.
  • Breathe! Take slow, deep breaths.
  • Make eye contact with them.
  • Close their eyes and think of a favorite place or activity.
  • Focus on something in the room, like a poster.

Comfort holds

How to hold your child during a vaccination (PDF)
Fact sheet with images and instructions for different comfort holds. Created in partnership with Homeland Health Specialists.