Flu Vaccine Dose for a 7-Year-Old
A 7-year-old child should receive a 0.5 mL dose of influenza vaccine administered intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle. 1
Dose Volume
- All children aged 36 months (3 years) and older receive the standard adult dose of 0.5 mL per dose for all inactivated influenza vaccines, regardless of the specific brand used 1
- This applies to all standard-dose vaccines including Afluria, Fluarix, FluLaval, Flucelvax, and Fluzone 1
- The 0.5 mL dose contains 15 μg of hemagglutinin per vaccine virus strain 1
Number of Doses Required
The number of doses depends entirely on the child's prior vaccination history 1:
If the child has previously received ≥2 total doses of influenza vaccine (trivalent or quadrivalent) administered ≥4 weeks apart at any time before the current season: Give 1 dose only 1, 2
- These 2 previous doses do not need to have been given in the same season or consecutive seasons 1
If the child has not previously received ≥2 doses ≥4 weeks apart, or vaccination history is unknown: Give 2 doses administered ≥4 weeks apart 1, 2
- Both doses should be given even if the child turns 9 years old between dose 1 and dose 2 1
Administration Details
- Route: Intramuscular injection 1
- Site: Deltoid muscle is the preferred injection site for children this age 1
- Alternative option: Healthy children aged ≥2 years may alternatively receive live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) 0.2 mL intranasally (0.1 mL per nostril) if there are no contraindications 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not administer a reduced 0.25 mL dose – this smaller volume is only appropriate for children aged 6-35 months with certain vaccine brands 1
- If a 0.25 mL dose is inadvertently given to a child ≥36 months: Either administer the remaining volume immediately during the same visit, or give a full 0.5 mL dose as soon as the child can return 1
- Do not assume one dose is sufficient – carefully verify the child's complete vaccination history to determine if 2 doses are needed 1, 2
- For children requiring 2 doses: Ensure both doses are administered before influenza activity peaks, ideally by the end of October 3