Vaccines at 18 months: DPT-HB-Hib Booster & MR 2 (Measles-Rubella Booster)
At 18 months your baby (now an active toddler) receives two boosters: MR 2 and the DPT-HB-Hib booster. These refresh the primary-series protection before it wanes with age.
ⓘ This page is educational, not medical advice. For specific needs, consult your pediatrician or midwife.
Vaccines given at 18 months
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DPT-HB-Hib Booster
- Protects against
- Keeps immunity to diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib high. Antibodies from the 2–4 month primary series fade over time.
- How it is given
- Injection into the arm or thigh (intramuscular).
- Side effects
- Fever and injection-site swelling for 1–3 days; occasionally a small lump that fades over a few weeks.
- Availability
- Available from pediatric (IDAI) clinics; some puskesmas also stock it.
-
MR 2 (Measles-Rubella Booster)
- Protects against
- A second measles–rubella dose pushes protection close to 100%. A small share of children do not fully respond to the first dose.
- How it is given
- Injection into the upper arm, under the skin (subcutaneous).
- Side effects
- Same as MR 1: mild fever or rash appearing 7–12 days later and resolving on its own.
- Availability
- In the government program the second MR dose is given through the school BIAS program in grade 1; IDAI recommends a booster at 18 months (available at pediatric clinics).
Why it matters at this age
Primary-series antibodies decline slowly after age 1, exactly as children play outdoors more and meet more people. The 18-month boosters restore antibody levels to their peak: two measles doses give near-100% protection, and the DPT-HB-Hib booster keeps defenses against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib high.
What to bring to posyandu
Bring the KIA book with the complete birth-to-9-months record. These boosters are easiest to get at a pediatric (IDAI) clinic; some puskesmas stock them too. Call ahead to confirm availability. Tell your toddler a shot is coming and bring a distraction toy.
Frequently asked questions
What is a booster, and why is it needed when the primary series is complete?
A booster is a reminder dose. Primary-series protection fades gradually; the booster restores it to full strength and extends it for years. Without it a child is still protected, just not as strongly.
Where can I get the 18-month vaccinations?
In the government program MR dose 2 is delivered through the school BIAS program in grade 1, but IDAI recommends it at 18 months to avoid a protection gap. The MR and DPT-HB-Hib boosters are available at pediatric clinics; some puskesmas also provide them.
Are there more vaccinations after 18 months?
Yes. Through the school BIAS program children get DT in grades 1 and 2 plus further MR, and IDAI also recommends optional vaccines such as annual influenza, varicella, and typhoid. Follow-up schedules are recorded in the KIA book and trackable in the app.
Never miss a dose. Track it and get reminders
Mark given doses in the WeLoveOurBaby app and get automatic reminders for the next due date, calculated from your child's birth date.
Start tracking for free- Kemenkes RI, Ayo Sehat: childhood immunization routine schedule
- IDAI, Immunization Schedule for Children Aged 0–18 Years (2024 recommendation)
Last reviewed: 2026-08