Immunization Schedule for 7 to 10 Years Old

In the United States, certain vaccines are recommended for children and adolescents starting at birth. Vaccines are usually given at various ages, according to a schedule. The schedule is designed to protect your child by:

• Giving vaccines at the best age for your child’s immune system to develop protection.
• Preventing disease at the age when your child is most likely to be at risk.
• Properly spacing doses of vaccines.

The timing of immunization doses may vary. Timing and number of doses depend on when immunizations are begun and the type of vaccine that is used.

Recommended immunizations for 7–10 years old

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine

• Individuals aged 7 years and older who are not fully immunized with the DTaP vaccine should obtain 1 dose of Tdap as a catch-up vaccine.
• The Tdap dose should be obtained regardless of the length of time since the last dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.
• If additional catch-up doses are required, the remaining catch-up doses should be doses of Td vaccine.
• The Td doses should be obtained every 10 years after the Tdap dose.
• Children and preteens aged 7–10 years who receive a dose of Tdap as part of the catch-up series should not receive the recommended dose of Tdap at age 11–12 years.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

• Children older than 5 years of age are usually not given this vaccine. However, children age 5 and older who have not been vaccinated, or are partially vaccinated, should obtain the vaccine if they have certain high-risk conditions.

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine

• Children and preteens who have certain conditions should obtain the vaccine as recommended.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) vaccine

• Children and preteens who have certain high-risk conditions should obtain the vaccine as recommended.

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine

• Starting at age 6 months, all individuals should obtain the influenza vaccine every year.
• Individuals between the ages of 6 months and 8 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time should obtain a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose. Thereafter, only a single annual dose is recommended.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Varicella (VAR) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine

• A child or preteen who has not received the vaccine before 2 years of age should obtain the vaccine if he or she is at risk for infection or if hepatitis A protection is desired.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

• Preteens who are 11–12 years old should obtain 2 doses. The doses can be started at age 9. The second dose should be obtained 6–12 months after the first dose.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine

• Children and preteens who have certain high-risk conditions, are present during an outbreak, or are traveling to a country with a high rate of meningitis should obtain the vaccine.

Questions to ask your child’s health care provider:

• Is my child up to date on his or her vaccines?
• What should I do if my child missed a dose of a vaccine?
• Does my child need to delay, avoid, or skip any vaccines because of his or her health history?
• Does my child need any special vaccines or more vaccines because of his or her health history?
• Can I have a copy of my child’s vaccine record?

Contact a health care provider if your child:

• Has pain where the shot was given, and the pain gets worse or does not go away after a couple of days.
• Has a fever.

Get help right away if your child:

• Has a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher.
• Develops signs of an allergic reaction, including:
  • Itchy, red, swollen areas of skin (hives).
  • Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing.

Summary

• At 7–10 years old, your child may need to receive vaccines to catch up on missed doses. Ask your health care provider if your child is up to date on his or her vaccines.
• After the age of 6 months, your child should receive the annual influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine. If your child is receiving IIV or LAIV for the first time, he or she should have a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
• Your child may need other vaccines based on his or her health history.
• Talk with your child’s health care provider if you have any other questions about vaccines or the vaccine schedule.