Guide
What shots are due at the 4-to-6-year visit?
At the 4-to-6-year visit the on-time CDC schedule lists 4 vaccines (DTaP, IPV, MMR and VAR): 4 shots. By the end of this visit 29 of the 29 routine doses have been listed.
Key takeaways
- 4 doses are due at 4 to 6 years: DTaP 5/5, IPV 4/4, MMR 2/2, VAR 2/2.
- Running total: 29 of 29 routine doses by this visit, 0 still to come.
- None of the 4 doses at 4 to 6 years has a hard age limit, so each can be moved if your clinician agrees. This is the on-time schedule, and your clinician sets your visit.
Due at 4 to 6 years
| Vaccine | Dose | Protects against | Can it wait? |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTaP | 5 of 5 | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) | Not needed if dose 4 was given at age 4 or later and 6 months after the one before. |
| IPV | 4 of 4 | Polio | Not needed if dose 3 was given at age 4 or later and 6 months after the one before. |
| MMR | 2 of 2 | Measles, mumps, rubella | No fewer doses by waiting (2); at least 4 weeks after dose 1. |
| VAR | 2 of 2 | Chickenpox | No fewer doses by waiting (2); at least 3 months after dose 1. |
This is the on-time schedule. Your clinician sets your visit and may combine, move or skip items for your child.
Questions parents ask about this visit
How many shots at the 4-to-6-year visit?
The on-time schedule lists 4 vaccines at 4 to 6 years: 4 shots.
Can the 4-to-6-year shots be spaced out?
At 4 to 6 years, dose by dose: DTaP and IPV may not be needed at all if the previous dose was given at age 4 or later; MMR and VAR can be spaced but keep their dose count. Your clinician sets the actual plan.
Which 4-to-6-year doses depend on the final-dose rule?
DTaP and polio. DTaP dose 5 is not needed if dose 4 was given at age 4 or later and 6 months after dose 3, and polio dose 4 is not needed if dose 3 was given at age 4 or later and 6 months after dose 2. Check the child's record before assuming either.
Can the second MMR and varicella doses come sooner?
Yes. The planner's minimum gaps are 4 weeks for MMR and 3 months for varicella after dose 1, so a child who started at 12 months can finish both well before 4 to 6 years. The on-time slot is school entry.
Space these shots out with the planner
Choose how many vaccines per visit and how far apart; the planner checks every minimum age and interval.
Build a plan Gentle pace (2 per visit)Sources
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