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Screenings & Immunizations for Children Aged 3 to 12

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Screenings & Immunizations
for Children Aged 3 to 12

Immunizations are often given as shots. Screenings are tests given to detect a health condition. Together, they can help your child stay protected from disease and maintain wellness.

Keep good records

Ask your doctor for a screening and immunization record. This keeps track of your child's tests and shots. Keep this record in a safe place. Child care providers and schools will ask for it. Bring the record to every doctor visit.

Immunization tips

Most shots are given by the time your child is 2 years old. But some are given into the teen years. Consider these tips to help ensure your child gets proper immunizations:

  • Ask your doctor what shots your child needs and what age your child should get them.
  • Follow your doctor's schedule. When your child is getting one shot, make an appointment for the next.
  • Don't miss your child's doctor visit. If you have to cancel, set up another one.
  • Your child may run a fever or have swelling in the shot location after getting a shot. Check with your doctor about giving your child over-the-counter pain medication. And if you do, follow the directions carefully.
  • Ask your doctor about giving aspirin to children younger than age 19. It's been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

Recommended immunizations*

Age Immunization Who, when and how often
3-12 years Hepatitis B
  • Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
4-6 years
and 11-12 years		 Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
  • Final dose should be given between 4-6 years
  • Assess children again at age 11-12 years
3-4 years Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
3-18 years Pneumococcal
  • High-risk groups only
  • Ask your doctor if your child is at a high risk
4-6 years
and 6 years+		 Inactivated Poliovirus
  • Final dose before age 6
  • High-risk groups only after age 6
3-12 years Influenza
  • Children through age 5 and high-risk children 6 years and older
  • May be administered annually, talk to your doctor for more information
4-6 years
and 6 years+		 Measles, Mumps, Rubella
  • Second dose should be given at 4-6 years
  • High-risk groups only after age 6
4-6 years
and 6 years+		 Varicella
  • Second dose should be given at 4-6 years (3 months or more after first dose)
  • Catch-up immunizations only after age 6
3-12 years Hepatitis A
  • High-risk groups only
  • Ask your doctor if your child is at a high risk
3 years+ Meningococcal
  • High-risk groups only between the ages of 3-10 years
  • Ask your doctor if your child is at a high risk
  • Assess children again at age 11-12 years
11-12 years Human Papillomavirus (females only)
  • Consider this option to prevent HPV, an STD that may lead to cervical cancer
  • Recommended for girls 11-12 years old
  • 3 doses required, consult with your doctor for details

Recommended screenings*

Age Screening test Frequency
3-12 years Eye screening
  • Once around ages 3-4, then as needed
3-12 years Dental
  • Once every 6 months

* Screenings and immunizations based on Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule – United States, 2006, MMWR™, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol 54, No MM51;0, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.

Download a complete list of recommended Screenings and Immunizations Guidelines (PDF format) for your family.