From the Guidelines
For a 6-year-old child, the recommended vaccines include: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), IPV (polio), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), and annual influenza vaccine, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. The vaccines are crucial for protecting against serious childhood diseases that can cause severe complications.
- The DTaP vaccine prevents three potentially fatal bacterial infections,
- MMR protects against viral diseases that can lead to serious complications,
- Varicella prevents chickenpox, which can cause severe skin infections and pneumonia,
- and the influenza vaccine is recommended annually as flu viruses change each season. If the child hasn't received them already, they should also have completed Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, PCV13 (pneumococcal), and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) series. At this age, most children are due for their kindergarten boosters, which typically include the fifth dose of DTaP, fourth dose of IPV, second doses of MMR and Varicella. These vaccines have been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness, with the benefits far outweighing any potential risks of mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever, as supported by the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. The influenza vaccine is recommended to be administered annually, with the option to use any licensed, age-appropriate vaccine, and the dose depends on the child's age, with children 6 through 35 months of age receiving 0.25 mL and children 36 months and older receiving 0.5 mL, as recommended by the AAP 1. It is essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure the child is protected against serious diseases and to prevent outbreaks in the community, as emphasized by the guidelines from the CDC and the AAP 1.
From the Research
Vaccines Needed for a 6-Year-Old
The following vaccines are recommended for a 6-year-old child:
- Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) 2
- Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) 2
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) 2, 3
- Varicella (V) 2
- Influenza vaccine 2
Additional Information
These vaccines provide protection against multiple diseases and are well-tolerated when administered simultaneously 2, 3. The DTaP vaccine has been shown to have fewer local and systemic adverse events compared to the whole-cell pertussis vaccine 3.
Vaccine Administration
The vaccines can be administered concomitantly, providing protection against multiple diseases in a timely and efficient manner 2. The MMR vaccine may have a protective effect against childhood asthma for boys 4. Vaccines have broader health, economic, and child development benefits, including improved cognition and school attainment 5.