A 5-year-old child who previously received rotavirus and Pentacel vaccines is going to kindergarten. What vaccine should they receive today?

The child in the scenario has previously received the rotavirus vaccine and the Pentacel vaccine, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) as well as IPV (inactivated poliovirus). When considering vaccinations for a child preparing to enter kindergarten, it's important to ensure that all recommended vaccinations are up to date according to the immunization schedule.

At 5 years old, children are typically due for their booster doses of certain vaccines before starting school. The IPV vaccine is critical since it protects against poliomyelitis, which is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis. The routine schedule recommends that children receive a total of four doses of IPV, with the final dose usually administered between 4 and 6 years of age.

The other vaccines listed—DTaP, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and Hib—may already be up to date or possibly not immediately required depending on the child’s vaccination history. However, IPV remains a crucial vaccine for school-aged children, making it essential for the child to receive the IPV booster prior to attending kindergarten. This ensures the child has full protection against poliovirus