What immunizations are recommended for a 6-year-old female?

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Last updated: September 30, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Vaccines Recommended for a 6-Year-Old Female

A 6-year-old female needs the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) booster and the IPV (inactivated poliovirus) booster, both typically given together at the 4-6 year well-child visit. 1

Core Vaccines Due at Age 4-6 Years

At age 6, assuming the child is on schedule, she should receive:

  • DTaP (5th dose): The final dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis series 2, 1
  • IPV (4th dose): The final dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine 3, 1

These are the only routine vaccines specifically due at this age for a healthy child who has completed her infant and toddler series.

Additional Vaccines to Verify

While not typically "due" at age 6, verify completion of:

  • MMR (2nd dose): Should have been given at 4-6 years, but can be given now if missed 2, 1
  • Varicella (2nd dose): Should have been given at 4-6 years, but can be given now if missed 2, 1

Annual Vaccine

  • Influenza vaccine: Required annually for all children, regardless of when the 6-year visit occurs 2, 1, 4
    • If she has never received influenza vaccine before, or received only one dose in her first vaccination season, she needs two doses given at least 4 weeks apart 2
    • Otherwise, one dose per season

Important Caveats

The DTaP-IPV combination vaccine (Kinrix) can be used to reduce the number of injections, as it combines both required vaccines into a single shot 2. This is generally preferred when available.

If the child received her 4th DTaP dose at age ≥4 years and ≥6 months after the 3rd dose, a 5th dose is not necessary 1. Similarly, if the 3rd IPV dose was given at age ≥4 years and at least 6 months after the previous dose, a 4th dose is not needed 2, 5.

For catch-up vaccination: If the child is behind schedule, refer to the catch-up immunization schedule, which provides minimum intervals between doses 1. The minimum interval from DTaP dose 4 to dose 5 is 6 months 2.

What Comes Next

At age 11-12 years, she will need:

  • Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) booster
  • HPV vaccine series (2 doses)
  • Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MenACWY)

1, 6

References

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.