--Josette Gordon-Simet, M.D., Family Practice Physician with the Alegent Health Family Care Clinic at Elmwood
Find out more about Dr. Gordon-Simet
Q: Does my 12, almost 13-year-old daughter need any immunizations before going into 8th grade? She didn't have any last year, and she hasn't had any since before first entering school.
A: Children who have reached the age of twelve, or those entering the eighth grade should have completed the primary series of childhood vaccinations. The current recommended vaccination schedule is:
- Hep B (Hepatitis B) – 3 doses
- DtaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis)– 5 doses
- Td (Tetanus booster) - between the ages of eleven and twelve
- Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) – 4 doses
- Polio – 4 doses
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)– 2 doses
- Varicella – 1 dose, unless the child has a history of documented Varicella Infection.
If your child has not completed the above, you should contact your primary care physician to update her vaccinations.
