Child vaccination, part 2: childhood vaccination procedures

In 1996, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Medical Association recommended a well-child office visit at age 11 to 12 years to check vaccination status. Vaccination status should be assessed for varicella, hepatitis B, the second dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and tetanus-diptheria (Td) toxoid if not given in the past 5 years. Adolescent patients should be screened for high-risk conditions indicating the need for influenza, pneumococcal, or hepatitis A vaccines. The Accelerated Immunization Schedule and Minimal Interval Table should be consulted for children who are behind schedule.