Now that back-to-school season is upon us, parents across the country are scheduling appointments to make sure that their children are up to date on their vaccinations. Is your child due for a vaccination before the first day of school? Here are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for early childhood and teenage vaccinations:
The CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations for Children from Ages Four to Six Years
The CDC recommends few vaccinations for children between the ages of four and six. The reasoning for this is because the CDC recommends that children receive most early-childhood vaccinations between birth and the age of eighteen months. The CDC’s recommended vaccinations for children between the ages of four and six include:
- Flu shot – An annual vaccination beginning at six months of age.
- DTaP – A fifth dose of the DTaP vaccine (for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), to be administered between the ages of four and six.
- IPV – A fourth dose of the IPV vaccine (for polio), to be administered between the ages of four and six.
- MMR – A second dose of the MMR vaccine (for measles, mumps and rubella), to be administered between the ages of four and six.
- Varicella – A second dose of the varicella vaccine (for chickenpox), to be administered between the ages of four and six.
If your child is behind on any of her vaccinations, you can use the CDC’s “catch-up” vaccination schedule to get back on track.
The CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations for Children from Ages Seven to Eighteen Years
The CDC recommends even fewer vaccines for children between the ages of seven and eighteen, but there are additional vaccinations that become important as children age and are exposed to new risks for diseases and infections. For children between the ages of seven and eighteen, the CDC recommends:
- Flu shot – Continuation of the annual flu vaccination.
- Meningococcal vaccine – A first dose of the meningitis vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12, with a booster shot at age 16.
- Tdap – A single dose between the ages of 11 and 12 (to immunize against tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis).
- HPV – A three-dose series (to immunize against human papillomavirus) to be administered between the ages of 11 and 12.
Note that the CDC recommends children in this age group receive any necessary “catch-up” vaccinations within certain prescribed windows as well. Also, if your child is considered high-risk for certain other diseases or infections (such as pneumonia), the CDC may recommend additional vaccinations. For the CDC’s complete list of recommendations, visit:Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years.
Has Your Child Suffered a Vaccine-Related Illness or Injury?
Unfortunately, all vaccinations can carry potential risks. If your child has experienced shoulder pain following a vaccination or complains of symptoms of a possible vaccine-related illness or injury, you should:
- Seek prompt medical attention, and
- Learn more about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
For a free consultation about your rights under the VICP, please contact us today.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah Durant
Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), parents can seek financial compensation for their children’s medical expenses and other losses resulting from vaccine-related illness and injury. At Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, we represent parents and children alike in vaccine claims, nationwide. Call (202) 775-9200 or contact us online to request a free consultation today.