Vaccines by age at a glance
This overview follows the standard schedule of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The schedule is designed so that several vaccines can safely be given on the same day.
- At birth: hepatitis B dose 1 / within 4 weeks: BCG (intradermal)
- 1 month: hepatitis B dose 2
- 2 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, pneumococcal dose 1; rotavirus dose 1
- 4 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, pneumococcal dose 2; rotavirus dose 2
- 6 months: hepatitis B dose 3; DTaP, Hib, pneumococcal dose 3; rotavirus dose 3 (3-dose product only); IPV dose 3 (between 6 and 18 months); flu shots begin
- 12–15 months: Hib and pneumococcal dose 4, MMR dose 1, varicella
- 12–23 months: hepatitis A dose 1 (dose 2 at least 6 months later); Japanese encephalitis begins
- 15–18 months: DTaP dose 4
- Age 4–6: DTaP dose 5, IPV dose 4, MMR dose 2 / age 6: inactivated Japanese encephalitis dose 4
- Age 11–12: Tdap (or Td) dose 6 / age 12: inactivated Japanese encephalitis dose 5, HPV (girls, 2 doses)
Schedules that depend on the product
Rotavirus vaccine joined Korea's NIP in March 2023. It is given by mouth, in 2 doses (2 and 4 months) or 3 doses (2, 4 and 6 months) depending on the product. As a rule, finish the series with the product you started.
Japanese encephalitis has two paths. The inactivated vaccine is 5 doses: two doses 7–30 days apart at 12–23 months, dose 3 twelve months later, dose 4 at age 6 and dose 5 at age 12. The live attenuated vaccine is 2 doses: one at 12–23 months and dose 2 twelve months later. Pick one and complete it with the same type.
Hepatitis A dose 2 is given at least 6 months after dose 1; the recommended interval (6–12 or 6–18 months) differs slightly by product.
School-age vaccines — ages 11–12 and flu
At 11–12, children get a Tdap (or Td) booster and, if on the inactivated series, Japanese encephalitis dose 5. In Korea, HPV vaccine is offered under the NIP to 12-year-old girls as 2 doses 6–12 months apart. Eligibility by age and sex can expand with policy changes, so check the Immunization Helper when the time comes.
In Korea, flu vaccine is given free every year from 6 months to 13 years (the age range is announced each season). Children under 9 getting it for the first time need 2 doses 4 weeks apart; after that, one dose a year.
On the day and after
- Choose a day your child is well; a morning appointment makes it easier to watch for reactions.
- Fill in the screening form fully: recent fever, illness, medicines and past vaccine reactions.
- Stay at the clinic for 20–30 minutes after the shot.
- Redness or swelling at the site and a day or two of mild fever or fussiness are common.
- A gentle bath on the same day is fine; do not rub the injection site.
If you are behind, and keeping records
Falling behind rarely means starting over. Doses already given still count, and the rest continue on a catch-up schedule. Each vaccine has minimum intervals and age limits, so let the clinic rebuild the plan.
In Korea, you can view records and print certificates on the KDCA Immunization Helper (web and app). Daycares, kindergartens and elementary schools often ask for proof of vaccination, so check for gaps in advance.
Full schedule table
| Vaccine | Dose | When |
|---|---|---|
| BCG (tuberculosis, intradermal) | Single dose | 0–1 moWithin 4 weeks of birth |
| Hepatitis B | Dose 1 | At birth |
| Dose 2 | 1 mo | |
| Dose 3 | 6 mo | |
| DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) | Dose 1 | 2 mo |
| Dose 2 | 4 mo | |
| Dose 3 | 6 mo | |
| Dose 4 | 15–18 mo | |
| Dose 5 | Age 4–6Age 4–6 years | |
| IPV (polio) | Dose 1 | 2 mo |
| Dose 2 | 4 mo | |
| Dose 3 | 6–18 mo | |
| Dose 4 | Age 4–6Age 4–6 years | |
| Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) | Dose 1 | 2 mo |
| Dose 2 | 4 mo | |
| Dose 3 | 6 mo | |
| Dose 4 | 12–15 mo | |
| Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) | Dose 1 | 2 mo |
| Dose 2 | 4 mo | |
| Dose 3 | 6 mo | |
| Dose 4 | 12–15 mo | |
| RotavirusAdded to Korea's National Immunization Program in March 2023. An oral vaccine: 2 doses (at 2 and 4 months) or 3 doses (at 2, 4 and 6 months) depending on the product. Finish the series with the product you started. | Dose 1 | 2 mo |
| Dose 2 | 4 mo | |
| Dose 3 | 6 mo3-dose product only | |
| MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) | Dose 1 | 12–15 mo |
| Dose 2 | Age 4–6Age 4–6 years | |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Single dose | 12–15 mo |
| Hepatitis A | Dose 1 | 12–23 mo |
| Dose 2 | 18–41 moAt least 6 months after dose 1 (interval 6–12 or 6–18 months depending on the product) | |
| Japanese encephalitis, inactivated vaccineFor Japanese encephalitis, choose either the inactivated vaccine (5 doses) or the live attenuated vaccine (2 doses) and complete the series with the same type. | Dose 1 | 12–23 mo |
| Dose 2 | 12–24 mo7–30 days after dose 1 | |
| Dose 3 | Age 212 months after dose 2 | |
| Dose 4 | Age 6 | |
| Dose 5 | Age 12 | |
| Japanese encephalitis, live attenuated vaccineAn alternative series to the inactivated vaccine (choose one, not both). | Dose 1 | 12–23 mo |
| Dose 2 | Age 212 months after dose 1 | |
| Tdap or Td | Dose 6 | Age 11–12Age 11–12. Booster after the 5 DTaP doses (Tdap preferred) |
| HPV (human papillomavirus)In Korea, the core NIP group is girls aged 12 (2 doses). Eligibility by age and sex can change, so check the KDCA Immunization Helper. | Dose 1 | Age 12 |
| Dose 2 | 150 mo – age 136–12 months after dose 1 | |
| InfluenzaIn Korea, children from 6 months to 13 years get a free flu shot every season (the age range is announced each season). Children under 9 getting it for the first time need 2 doses 4 weeks apart. | Every year | 6 mo – age 13Each autumn when the season opens. First year under age 9: 2 doses 4 weeks apart |
The standard schedule of Korea's National Immunization Program. Ages are counted in completed months from birth. Confirm exact dates with your clinic or public health center.
FAQ
Is it okay to get several vaccines on the same day?
Yes. The standard schedule assumes same-day shots, and giving them together has been shown not to reduce effectiveness or meaningfully increase side effects. If you are worried, talk to the doctor about spacing.
My child has a slight cold. Can they still get vaccinated?
With only a mild runny nose or cough and no fever, most children can. Postpone if there is a fever or your child is quite unwell. The screening doctor makes the final call.
Is the 2-dose or 3-dose rotavirus vaccine better?
Both are part of Korea's NIP and work when the full series is completed. What matters most is finishing with the product you started.
We missed a vaccine. Do we have to start again?
Usually not. Doses already given count, and only the remaining ones are needed. Because of minimum intervals, ask the clinic for a catch-up schedule.
Does my child need a flu shot every year?
Yes. Circulating strains change each year, so the vaccine changes, and protection fades over time. Children under 9 getting it for the first time need 2 doses 4 weeks apart.
Sources
- KDCA Immunization Helper standard immunization schedule
- KDCA National Immunization Program guide
- Korean Pediatric Society immunization guidelines
Medical information is for reference only. This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your child's doctor. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
Related
In Korea, infant and child health checkups are national screenings paid for by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Each round has a fixed window, so check the dates and book ahead.
When Your Child Has a FeverFever is a sign the body is fighting infection, and how your child is doing matters more than the number. The exception: a baby under 3 months with 38°C or higher needs a doctor right away, however well they seem.
1–3 mo1–3 monthsThis is when babies start to look into your eyes and smile back. It is also the time of the most crying, so learning how to get through it together matters.
10–12 mo10–12 months (around the first birthday)Babies pull up, cruise along furniture, and may take first steps and say first words. Around the first birthday, both food and vaccines change a lot.
Age 4–5Ages 4–5Children make up stories and start rule-based games with friends. Before elementary school, it's time for booster shots and the last infant checkups.