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Immunizations - childhood vaccination programme - Management
What should I do if a child over 2 years and less than 10 years of age has missed doses?

  • Before school, a child should have completed all courses of vaccination with the exception of the final diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis (Td/IPV) booster vaccine (which is given between 13 and 18 years of age). Doses already given do not need to be repeated, that is, the primary immunization should be continued, not restarted. Give the following:
    • Missed dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib — Pediacel®) — complete primary course of three doses spaced 1 month apart, then proceed with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis booster vaccine (dTaP/IPV — Repevax® or DTaP/IPV — Infanrix IPV®) after a period of at least 1 year.
    • Missed dTaP/IPV or DTaP/IPV — give one dose immediately provided it is at least 1 year after the third dose of DTaP/IPV/Hib.
    • Missed pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) — no vaccine required unless child is at high risk.
    • Missed meningococcal group C vaccine (MenC — Meningitec®, Menjugate Kit®, or NeisVac-C®) and/or combined MenC H. influenzae vaccine booster (Hib/MenC — Menitorix®) — give a single dose of MenC or Hib/MenC.
    • Missed measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR — MMRVAXPRO® or Priorix®) or second dose — ensure child has had two doses of MMR. If two doses are required, space them at least 1 month (but preferably 3 months) apart.
  • For the latest information on announcements about catch-up recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer, see www.immunisation.nhs.uk.

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