About Vaccinations for Young Children (4 to 10 years)

Overview

Vaccines help protect children against many diseases by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific germs. After vaccination, the body makes immune defenses, including antibodies, that can help prevent infection or reduce the risk of severe illness if a child is exposed. This article focuses on vaccines commonly recommended for children ages 4 to 10 years, including some vaccines that are typically started earlier in childhood and completed during this age range.

Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes child and adolescent immunization schedules based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other CDC guidance. Vaccines commonly recommended for children ages 4 to 10 years include protection against:

  • COVID-19
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella
  • Poliovirus
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Here’s a summary of each disease and the vaccines discussed in this article. These are general recommendations and may not apply to every child. Vaccine recommendations, product availability, and eligibility can change over time. Check with a healthcare professional about which vaccines are recommended and available for your child and when your child should receive them.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

  • COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While children are less likely than some adults to become seriously ill from COVID-19, some children may develop severe COVID-19 and require hospitalization. Children with weakened immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk of developing severe illness with COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations may vary based on a child’s age, health history, and risk for severe illness. Parents and caregivers should discuss whether COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for their child with a healthcare professional.

For 2026–2027, the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for adults aged 65 years and older. The vaccines are also approved for younger individuals with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. There are currently four updated COVID-19 vaccines available for the 2026–2027 season:

  • Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Spikevax): approved for individuals 6 months through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and for adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (mNEXSPIKE): approved for individuals 12 through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and for adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Novavax protein subunit COVID-19 Vaccine (Nuvaxovid): approved for individuals 12 through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and for adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty): approved for individuals 5 through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and for adults 65 years of age and older.

Influenza (Flu)

  • Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza viruses, including influenza type A and influenza type B. These viruses cause the flu each year during flu season, which generally runs from October through May. The viruses may change each year, so new flu vaccines are created each year to be available starting around September.
  • Who should receive vaccine? All people 6 months old or older should receive the annual influenza vaccine each year, unless contraindicated. A contraindication may include a history of a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its components.
  • What vaccines are available? There are many brands of flu vaccine available each year. Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist which flu vaccine is recommended for your child.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

  • Measles, mumps, and rubella are very contagious diseases caused by viruses. Each disease can cause a range of symptoms and may lead to serious complications.
  • Who should receive the MMR vaccine? Children usually receive two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Some children may need a different schedule in certain situations, so parents and caregivers should check with a healthcare professional.
  • What vaccines are available?
    • MMR vaccine: This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
    • MMRV vaccine: This combination vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. Healthcare professionals may recommend separate MMR and varicella vaccines for some younger children because of febrile seizure risk after the first dose.

Poliovirus

Poliovirus has been eliminated in most parts of the world because of widespread vaccination. The virus may cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, fatigue, nausea, or headache. In most cases, symptoms go away on their own after a few days. In rare cases, the virus can cause meningitis or paralysis of the arms and legs that can be permanent. In the worst cases, poliovirus can cause death. The virus is very contagious and can spread from infected people even if they do not know they are sick. Poliovirus enters the body through the mouth and spreads mainly through contact with the feces of an infected person, such as through contaminated hands, food, water, or objects. The best way to protect against poliovirus infection is vaccination.

Who should receive the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)? IPV is usually given as a series of four doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years of age.

What vaccines are available?

  • Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV): This is the only vaccine available in the United States.
  • Combination vaccines (Kinrix, Quadracel, Pentacel, Pediarix, VAXELIS): Several manufacturers supply different combinations of polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B vaccines that are approved for young children.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

  • Tetanus is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is a serious disease that can cause lockjaw, difficulty swallowing, painful muscle spasms, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
  • Diphtheria is a disease caused by a toxin released by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. The toxin can cause serious illness if it affects the respiratory system. The skin and other body parts can also be affected. In the United States, this disease is rare and is more common in places where vaccination rates are low.
  • Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It causes cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough. The cough can progress to uncontrollable coughing fits. People with pertussis may make a high-pitched whoop sound when they inhale during these coughing fits. This may cause breathing problems. Contact a doctor immediately if your child is struggling to breathe.
  • Who should receive vaccination against these diseases? Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines are usually given in combination. Children usually receive a 5-dose DTaP series at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years. A Tdap booster is usually recommended at 11 through 12 years of age.
  • What vaccines are available?
    • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP): Daptacel, Infanrix for infants and young children

Varicella (Chickenpox)

  • Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, and fever. It usually causes mild illness. However, it can cause serious illness in infants, adolescents, adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. Serious illness may require hospitalization.
  • Who should receive the Varicella vaccine? The Varicella vaccine is usually given as two shots during childhood at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.
  • What vaccines are available?
    • Varivax: This vaccine is approved for use in people 12 months or older.
    • ProQuad: This vaccine is a combination vaccine that also includes measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. It is approved for children 12 months through 12 years of age, but healthcare professionals may recommend separate MMR and varicella vaccines for some younger children because of febrile seizure risk after the first dose.
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that toddlers through age three be immunized for varicella by standalone vaccination administered at the same time as the MMR vaccine, rather than the combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
    • According to the CDC, healthy children 12 through 23 months old have a higher risk of febrile seizure 7 to 10 days after receiving the MMRV vaccine than after receiving separate MMR and varicella vaccines at the same visit. The MMRV vaccine provides protection against the same diseases as separate MMR and varicella vaccination, so healthcare professionals may recommend separate vaccines for some younger children.

What are the potential side effects of vaccines in young children?

Who should not receive vaccines?

What should I do if my child experiences severe or persistent symptoms after receiving a vaccine?