Routine Vaccinations for a 9-Year-Old Child
A 9-year-old child should receive annual influenza vaccination and should be assessed for catch-up doses of any missed routine childhood vaccines, as no new vaccine series are specifically due at this age. 1, 2
Current Vaccination Status Assessment
At age 9, children should have already completed most of their childhood vaccination series. The priority is ensuring all previously recommended vaccines are up to date:
Expected Completed Series by Age 9
- DTaP vaccine series: Five doses total, with the final (fifth) dose administered at age 4-6 years 1, 2
- IPV (Polio) vaccine series: Four doses total, with the final dose given at age 4-6 years 1, 2
- MMR vaccine series: Two doses, with the second dose typically given at age 4-6 years 1, 2
- Varicella vaccine series: Two doses, with the second dose typically given at age 4-6 years 1, 2
- Hepatitis B vaccine series: Three-dose series completed during infancy 1
- Hepatitis A vaccine series: Two-dose series (if in recommended states/regions or high-risk groups) 3
Annual Vaccination Required at Age 9
Influenza vaccine must be administered annually to all children, including 9-year-olds. 1, 3 If the child has received influenza vaccine in previous years, only one dose is needed per season. 3
Upcoming Vaccinations (Not Yet Due at Age 9)
While not required at age 9, parents should be counseled about upcoming adolescent vaccines:
- Tdap vaccine: Due at age 11-12 years as a booster dose 1, 2
- HPV vaccine series: Two-dose series starting at age 11-12 years (can begin as early as age 9) 1, 2
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine: Two-dose series beginning at age 11-12 years 1, 2
Catch-Up Vaccination Protocol
If any vaccines were missed or delayed, catch-up vaccination should be initiated immediately following ACIP minimum interval guidelines. 3, 4
Key Catch-Up Principles:
- Multiple vaccines can and should be administered simultaneously at separate anatomic sites when indicated 3
- Minimum intervals between doses must be respected: typically 4 weeks for most inactivated vaccines 4
- Combined vaccines should be used when possible to minimize injections 4
Important Clinical Considerations
Common pitfall: Assuming no vaccines are needed between ages 6-11 years. While no new series typically begin during this period, annual influenza vaccination is mandatory, and catch-up doses for incomplete series are critical. 1, 3
Documentation review: Verify the child's immunization record to confirm completion of all childhood series, as coverage gaps are common and increase disease susceptibility. 1