A vaccination schedule is a timeline that outlines when individuals should receive specific vaccines to protect against various diseases. These schedules are typically recommended by health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and vary based on age, health status, and other factors. Following a vaccination schedule helps ensure that people are immunized at the right times, which maximizes the effectiveness of the vaccines. For example, infants often receive their first vaccines within the first year of life, while older children and adults may have booster shots to maintain immunity against diseases like measles or tetanus.