Around the World: Variations in Vaccine Schedules

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Parents PACK

Despite the importance of widespread global vaccination, worldwide immunization schedules vary between countries and coverage may be variable within countries. Schedule differences may include which vaccinations are recommended, who should receive them, when they are given, and how many doses are necessary.

In addition, a variety of reasons account for the disparities related to coverage, including economic and political situations, vaccine supply, personal or religious beliefs and, in some cases, unfounded vaccine safety concerns.

Visit the Parent’s PACK website to learn more about the global variation in vaccine use and immunization recommendations as well as how vaccination helps control the spread of disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a searchable database that might also be of interest as it allows you to view vaccine schedules for 194 countries.

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.