Which children younger than age 9 years will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine in this influenza season?

Children age 6 months through 8 years should receive a second dose 4 weeks or more after the first dose 1) if they are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time, 2) if they have not received a total of at least two doses of any seasonal influenza vaccine before July 1 of the current year, or 3) if their vaccination history is unknown. The two previous doses need not have been received during the same season or consecutive seasons.

Children who are age 8 years and are recommended to receive two doses during the current season but who have a 9th birthday during the current season before receiving dose 2 should still receive dose 2.

Immunize.org’s handout titled “Guide for Determining the Number of Doses of Influenza Vaccine to Give to Children Age 6 Months through 8 Years” provides additional guidance on this issue; it is available at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3093.pdf.