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Immunizations - childhood vaccination programme - Management
What should I do if the child or adult over 10 years of age has missed doses?

  • After 10 years of age, not all vaccinations are necessary, as the period of risk from some childhood diseases will have passed. In addition, doses already given do not need to be repeated, that is, primary immunization should be continued, not restarted.
    • Missed dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib — Pediacel®, Infanrix-IPV+Hib®) — complete primary course (total three doses) by substituting DTaP/IPV/Hib with Td/IPV, spaced 1 month apart. A further two booster doses of Td/IPV spaced 10 years apart will then be required.
    • Missed dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis booster vaccine (dTaP/IPV — Repevax® or DTaP/IV — Infanrix-IPV®) — give a dose of Td/IPV followed by a further dose of Td/IPV after a period of 10 years.
    • Missed pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV — Prevenar®) — no vaccine required unless the person is at high risk.
    • Missed meningococcal group C vaccine (MenC — Meningitec®, Menjugate Kit®, or NeisVac-C®) or combined MenC H. influenzae vaccine booster (Hib/MenC — Menitorix®) — give a single dose of MenC to all people less than 25 years of age.
    • Missed measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR — MMRVAXPRO® or Priorix®) or booster — ensure person has had two doses in total, separated at least 1 month apart (for adults, see MMR vaccine in adults).
    • Missed human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV — Cervarix®) vaccine — resume but do not repeat doses, ideally allowing the appropriate interval between them. All three doses should be given within a 12–month period.
  • For the latest information on announcements about catch-up recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer, see www.immunisation.nhs.uk.

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