By 1986, the schedule had grown to 25 doses of 12 vaccines.
This included DTP, OPV, MMR (introduced in 1965), the HIB, and Td vaccines.
With multiple trivalent vaccines now on the market, children could receive 6 vaccines in just two injections.
Compliance was up, but there were many cases of injury and vaccine manufacturers
were paying out millions to compensate injured recipients.
They successfully lobbied Congress to reduce their liability.

The 1986 childhood vaccine schedule in the United States was a transitional period—more advanced than 1962 but still far simpler than today's schedule. This was also a pivotal year, as the U.S. Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) in 1986, laying the groundwork for the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and mandating better safety monitoring and reporting (VAERS was created in 1990).

1986 U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule – Typical Routine Immunizations
Here are the vaccines routinely given to children in 1986, with typical dosing ages:

1. DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

• 1st dose: 2 months
• 2nd dose: 4 months
• 3rd dose: 6 months

1st booster: 15–18 months

2nd booster: 4–6 years

Note: Concerns over side effects of the whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTP) contributed to vaccine safety debates in the 1980s and partially led to the 1986 legislation.

2. Polio (Oral Polio Vaccine – OPV)
1st dose: 2 months

2nd dose: 4 months

3rd dose: 6–18 months

Booster: 4–6 years

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) was available but OPV was preferred at the time for its community-wide immunity benefits.

3. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
1st dose: 12–15 months

Booster: Not yet standard in 1986 (2nd dose added in the 1990s)

MMR was licensed in 1971, and by 1986 it had replaced separate measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.

4. Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria – for older children)
Booster: Every 10 years after the DTP series was complete

Vaccines Not Yet on the 1986 Schedule:
These had not been introduced or widely recommended for children in 1986:

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – introduced in 1987, conjugate version in 1989

Hepatitis B – licensed in 1981 but not yet routine for infants in 1986 (added in 1991)

Varicella (Chickenpox) – 1995

Hepatitis A – 1995

Pneumococcal (PCV) – 2000

Rotavirus – 2006 (earlier version withdrawn in 1999)

Influenza (annual for kids) – added later in 2000s

HPV, Meningococcal, COVID-19 – all post-2005

Total Doses by Age 6 (1986)
Approximately 15–18 total doses, compared to 50+ in the modern schedule.

Important Context: The 1986 NCVIA
Law Passed: November 14, 1986

Created:

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) – launched 1990

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for informed consent

Purpose: To protect manufacturers from liability, stabilize vaccine supply, and respond to growing public concerns.