Ages 5–12, Girls: what to watch for
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General information only. Not medical advice and not a substitute for a doctor.
Elsewhere, call your local emergency number.
Tests listed by sex refer to organs present at birth. Transgender and intersex people should ask a doctor which tests apply to them.
How the body typically changes
- From birth to age 5, children reach developmental milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act and move, such as smiling for the first time, taking a first step and waving goodbye. Source
- Between ages 3 and 5, children usually become more independent and more interested in people outside the family; they can help dress themselves, recall part of a story, sing songs and play with other children. Source
- Puberty can normally start at any time between ages 8 and 14. Signs include hair growing in the armpits and genital area, breasts developing and periods starting, or the penis and testicles growing and the voice deepening. Source
- Periods usually start between ages 8 and 17, often about 2 years after the breasts begin to grow. The average age for a first period is around 12. Source
- Between ages 12 and 14, hormones change as puberty gets under way: most boys grow facial and pubic hair and their voices deepen, and most girls grow pubic hair and breasts and start their periods. Young teens may worry about these changes, care more about body image and have more mood swings. Source
Main health risks
- Worldwide, drowning rates are highest among children aged 4 and under, and drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children aged 1 to 14. The risk rises when children are around water without active adult supervision. Source
- Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death worldwide for children and young adults aged 5 to 29. Source
- Worldwide, about 1 in 7 young people aged 10 to 19 experience a mental health condition, and these largely go unrecognised and untreated. Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness in this age group, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death at ages 15 to 29. Source
- In 2024, an estimated 400 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 worldwide were overweight, including 170 million living with obesity. Source
Population data
| Country | Sex | Average years left at age 5 | Deaths before age 13, per thousand people of this age |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Girls | 77.3 | 0.8 |
| England, UK* | Girls | 78.5 | 0.4 |
| China | Girls | 76.5 | 1.8 |
| Japan | Girls | 82.9 | 0.5 |
| Spain | Girls | 81.5 | 0.4 |
| Brazil | Girls | 75.0 | 1.1 |
Averages for whole populations from the United Nations; they say nothing about any one person. Figures are United Nations estimates for 2023. *UN data covers the whole United Kingdom; the guidelines shown are for England. Source: UN DESA, Population Division (2024), World Population Prospects 2024, CC BY 3.0 IGO; calculated and translated by Age Flags.
Screenings and vaccines by country
Showing: United States · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · US Preventive Services Task Force
US vaccination schedules have changed in recent years; check the current schedule on the CDC website. CDC immunization schedules Congressional Research Service overview
Starting in this age range
- Depression screening questionnaire (such as the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ) — ages 12 to 18
- Anxiety screening questions (short questionnaire) — ages 8 to 18
Screening tests
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety screening questions (short questionnaire) Anxiety screening |
ages 8 to 18 | The task force found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against screening younger children. | US Preventive Services Task Force · Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Screening · USPSTF grade B MyHealthfinder: Get Your Child Screened for Anxiety |
|
| Depression screening questionnaire (such as the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ) Depression screening |
ages 12 to 18 | Screening is for major depressive disorder. The task force found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against screening younger children, or screening children and teens for suicide risk. | US Preventive Services Task Force · Depression and Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents: Screening · USPSTF grade B MyHealthfinder: Get Your Teen Screened for Depression |
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B vaccine Hepatitis B vaccination |
up to age 18 | at birth, 1–2 months, 6–18 months · When the mother tests negative for hepatitis B, medically stable babies above the low-birth-weight cut-off get the first dose within 24 hours of birth; other situations follow different timing (see the CDC notes). The age range includes catch-up: unvaccinated children and teens should complete the series. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Protect Yourself from Hepatitis B |
|
| DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15–18 months, 4–6 years | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine VIS · CDC immunization schedule Child Immunization Schedule Notes (Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States) Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations (for healthcare providers) |
|
| Polio vaccine (inactivated, IPV) Polio vaccination |
2 months to 18 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, 4–6 years · The age range includes catch-up: adolescents age 18 who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated complete the primary series. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule Polio Vaccine VIS Polio Vaccine Recommendations (for healthcare providers) |
|
| Flu vaccine (any type suitable for age and health) Flu vaccination |
6 months to 18 years | 6 months to 18 years · Children aged 6 months to 8 years who have had fewer than two flu vaccine doses before (see the source for the cut-off date), or whose history is unknown, need two doses at least 4 weeks apart; everyone else needs one dose each season. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Get Your Pre-teen's Vaccines on Schedule |
|
| Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis A vaccination |
12 months to 18 years | 12–23 months, at least 6 months after the previous dose · The age range includes catch-up: unvaccinated children and teens should complete the two-dose series. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule |
|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 18 years | 12–15 months, 4–6 years · The age range includes catch-up: unvaccinated children and teens get two doses at least 4 weeks apart. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule |
|
| Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination |
12 months to 18 years | 12–15 months, 4–6 years · The second dose may be given as early as 3 months after the first. The age range includes catch-up (two doses) for children and teens without evidence of immunity. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule |
|
| HPV vaccine HPV vaccination |
ages 11 to 18 | 11–12 years, 6–12 months after the previous dose · Can start at age 9. The age range includes catch-up for everyone who is not fully vaccinated; people who start at age 15 or older need three doses. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Get Your Child the HPV Vaccine |
|
| MenACWY vaccine Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) vaccination |
ages 11 to 18 | 11–12 years · The age range includes catch-up for teens who missed a dose; how many doses they need depends on their age (see the source). | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Get Your Pre-teen's Vaccines on Schedule |
|
| Whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
ages 11 to 18 | 11–12 years · The age range includes catch-up: teens aged 13 or older who have not had Tdap get one dose. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Notes · CDC immunization schedule MyHealthfinder: Get Your Pre-teen's Vaccines on Schedule Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations (for healthcare providers) |
Showing: England, UK · UK Health Security Agency · NHS England
Items for the United Kingdom cover England only.
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's flu vaccine Flu vaccination |
ages 2 to 15 | 2–15 years · Given every year until children finish Year 11 of secondary school. | NHS England · NHS vaccinations and when to have them · National programme National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter Children's flu vaccine Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 |
|
| HPV vaccine (nine-valent) HPV vaccination |
Girls; from age 12 until your 25th birthday | 12–13 years · A single dose, usually given in school year 8; the age range includes catch-up for girls who missed it. | UK Health Security Agency · HPV vaccination guidance for healthcare practitioners · National programme HPV vaccine Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 |
Showing: China · National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Vaccines
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal flu vaccine (inactivated or live attenuated) Flu vaccination |
from 6 months | every year · Priority groups are health workers, people aged 60 and over, people with chronic conditions, care-home residents and staff, children aged 6 months to under 5 years, carers of babies under 6 months and pregnant women. Children under 9 years having their first inactivated vaccine need two doses at least 4 weeks apart. | Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention · 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027) · Technical guideline 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027)（发布页） |
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B vaccine Hepatitis B vaccination |
until your 18th birthday | at birth, 1 month, 6 months · The first dose is given within 24 hours of birth. The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not completed the series. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, 6 years | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局综合司 国家卫生健康委办公厅关于调整国家免疫规划百白破疫苗和白破疫苗免疫程序的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2024〕20号） 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Polio vaccine (inactivated IPV injection, then oral bOPV) Polio vaccination |
from 2 months until your 18th birthday | 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 4 years · The first two doses are inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) by injection; the last two are oral bivalent polio vaccine (bOPV). The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not had all their doses (IPV first, then bOPV). | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Japanese encephalitis vaccine Japanese encephalitis vaccination |
from 8 months until your 18th birthday | 8 months, 2 years · Doses shown are for the live attenuated vaccine (JE-L); with the inactivated vaccine (JE-I), 4 doses are given: two at 8 months, 7-10 days apart, then one each at ages 2 and 6 years. Catch-up covers children born after the vaccine entered the immunization programme (later in Tibet, Qinghai and Xinjiang than elsewhere). | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
from 8 months until your 18th birthday | 8 months, 18 months · The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not had all their doses of measles-, mumps- and rubella-containing vaccine. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis A vaccination |
from 18 months until your 18th birthday | 18 months · Dose shown is for the live attenuated vaccine (HepA-L). Where the inactivated vaccine (HepA-I) is used instead, 2 doses are given, at 18 months and at age 2. The age range includes catch-up for children and teens who have not had their doses. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| Meningococcal groups A and C polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV-AC) Meningococcal groups A and C vaccination |
from age 2 until your 18th birthday | 3 years, 6 years · The two doses are at least 3 years apart. Catch-up covers children born after meningococcal vaccine was included in the immunization programme; from 24 months, MPSV-A is no longer given but both MPSV-AC doses are still completed, and a child who never had MPSV-A can have MPSV-AC early, before age 3. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
|
| DT vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus) Diphtheria and tetanus vaccination |
ages 7 to 11; Missed one or more of the DTaP doses due earlier (catch-up only) | 7–11 years · Catch-up only. A child with fewer than 3 DTaP doses is brought up to 3 doses in total with DT (second dose 1-2 months after the first, third dose 6-12 months after the second); a child with 3 or more doses who missed the dose at age 6 gets one DT dose. | National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (China) · 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · National programme 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） |
Showing: Japan · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · Cabinet of Japan
In Japan, cancer screening is carried out by municipalities.
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five-in-one vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib) Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib vaccination |
2 months to under 7 years 6 months | 2–7 months (standard timing: before 7 months), 20–56 days after the previous dose, 20–56 days after the previous dose, 6–18 months after the previous dose | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 5種混合ワクチン(厚生労働省) · Set by law 定期接種実施要領（厚生労働省健康・生活衛生局長通知別添） 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） |
|
| Japanese encephalitis vaccine Japanese encephalitis vaccination |
6 months to under 7 years 6 months | 3–4 years (standard timing: before 4 years), 6–28 days after the previous dose, 4–5 years (standard timing: before 5 years) · First-stage doses (two primary doses, then a booster about one year later). The dose ages shown are the standard ages; routine (publicly funded) vaccination covers the whole age range shown. The second-stage dose is listed separately. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） 日本脳炎ワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| MR vaccine (measles-rubella) Measles and rubella vaccination |
from age 5 until your 7th birthday; In the year before starting elementary school | 5–7 years (complete before 7 years) · Second-stage dose: one dose during the year before the child starts elementary school. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） MRワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| Japanese encephalitis vaccine Japanese encephalitis vaccination |
from age 9 until your 13th birthday | 9–10 years (standard timing: before 10 years) · Second-stage dose (one dose). The dose age shown is the standard age; routine (publicly funded) vaccination covers the whole age range shown. The first-stage doses are listed separately. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） 日本脳炎ワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| DT vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus) Diphtheria and tetanus vaccination |
from age 11 until your 13th birthday | 11 years · Second-stage dose for diphtheria and tetanus. The dose age shown is the standard age; routine (publicly funded) vaccination covers the whole age range shown. | Cabinet of Japan · 予防接種法施行令 · Set by law 定期接種実施要領（厚生労働省健康・生活衛生局長通知別添） DTワクチン（厚生労働省） |
|
| HPV vaccine (nine-valent) HPV vaccination |
Girls; ages 12 to 16 | 12–13 years, at least 6 months after the previous dose · Eligibility runs from the start of the fiscal year (April) in which the girl turns 12 to the end of the fiscal year in which she turns 16; the standard time is the fiscal year she turns 13. If the gap cannot be six months it must be at least 5 months, and girls who start at age 15 or older need three doses. | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) · 定期接種実施要領 · Set by law 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） ヒトパピローマウイルス感染症~子宮頸がん(子宮けいがん)とHPVワクチン~（厚生労働省） |
Showing: Spain · Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain)
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 6 years · The infant doses are given as a combined vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB); the later booster dose is a combined DTaP/IPV vaccine. | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Tosferina (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) |
|
| Polio vaccine (inactivated, IPV) Polio vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 6 years · The infant doses are given as a combined vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB); the later booster dose is a combined DTaP/IPV vaccine. | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Poliomielitis (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) |
|
| HPV vaccine HPV vaccination |
ages 12 to 18 | 12 years · A single dose, for girls and boys. The age range includes catch-up (one dose) for unvaccinated young people. | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 (aprobado por el CISNS el 12 de diciembre de 2025) |
|
| MenACWY vaccine Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) vaccination |
ages 12 to 18 | 12 years · Not needed if a MenACWY dose was already given from age 10. The age range includes catch-up for unvaccinated adolescents. | Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (Spain) · Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 · National programme Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Enfermedad meningocócica invasiva (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) |
Showing: Brazil · Ministério da Saúde (Brazil)
Starting in this age range
- Hepatitis B vaccine — age 7 and over
Vaccines
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 29 years | Anyone without proof of 2 doses starts or completes the course, with doses 30 days apart. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Yellow fever vaccine (live attenuated) Yellow fever vaccination |
ages 5 to 59 | Recommended throughout Brazil. One dose for anyone never vaccinated; one booster if the only previous dose was given before age 5. From age 60, it is given only in exceptional cases, after an individual risk-benefit assessment. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Hepatitis B vaccine Hepatitis B vaccination |
age 7 and over | Anyone without 3 recorded doses starts or completes the course, with the second dose 1 month and the third 6 months after the first. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
Childhood immunizations
| Item | Who it is for | How often / doses | Guideline | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentavalent vaccine (DTP-Hib-HepB, whole-cell pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib and hepatitis B vaccination |
2 months to 6 years | 2 months, 4 months, 6 months · The two booster doses that follow are given with the DTP vaccine (see the DTP entry). | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Inactivated flu vaccine (injection) Flu vaccination |
6 months to 5 years | 6 months to 5 years · Given every flu season; a child having it for the first time needs 2 doses 30 days apart, then a single dose in each later year. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| DTP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and whole-cell pertussis) Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccination |
15 months to 6 years | 15 months, 4 years · Booster doses after the three doses of the pentavalent vaccine (DTP-Hib-HepB); later boosters use the adult-type dT vaccine. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination |
15 months to 6 years | 15 months, 4 years · For children who have not had chickenpox (or are not sure). If the single varicella vaccine is not available, the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine can be used. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| HPV vaccine (four-valent) HPV vaccination |
ages 9 to 14 | 9–14 years · A single dose for girls and boys, given as early as possible in this age window. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| Dengue vaccine (live attenuated) Dengue vaccination |
ages 10 to 14 | 10–14 years, at least 3 months after the previous dose · Two doses from the same manufacturer; doses from different manufacturers are not interchangeable. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
|
| MenACWY vaccine Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) vaccination |
ages 11 to 14 | 11 years · A first dose or a booster, depending on earlier vaccination; if it is late, it can be given up to 14 years, 11 months and 29 days of age. | Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 · National programme Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) |
How countries compare
Each country bases its guidelines on its own evidence reviews and health system. Age Flags lists them side by side and does not judge between them.
| Item | United States | England, UK | China | Japan | Spain | Brazil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B vaccination |
up to age 18
|
Combined vaccines that also cover this may be listed in the country's full schedule: England, UK |
until your 18th birthday
|
— | — |
age 7 and over
|
| Flu vaccination |
6 months to 18 years
every year |
ages 2 to 15
every year |
from 6 months
every year |
— | — |
6 months to 5 years
|
| Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination |
12 months to 18 years
|
Combined vaccines that also cover this may be listed in the country's full schedule: England, UK |
from 8 months until your 18th birthday
|
Combined vaccines that also cover this may be listed in the country's full schedule: Japan | — |
12 months to 29 years
|
Everyday health
- Recommended sleep for children aged 3 to 5 years is 10 to 13 hours a day, including naps. Source
- Recommended sleep for school-age children aged 6 to 12 years is 9 to 12 hours a day. Source
- UK guidance sets a daily maximum of 19g of free sugars for children aged 4 to 6 and 24g for children aged 7 to 10. (England, UK) Source
- Guidelines recommend that children and teens aged 6 to 17 do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day, including vigorous, muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activity, each on at least 3 days a week. Source
- WHO describes adolescence as a key time for building habits that support mental well-being, such as healthy sleep patterns, regular exercise, coping and problem-solving skills, and learning to manage emotions. Source
- WHO guidance is for everyone older than 10 to aim for at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables and at least 25 grams of naturally occurring fibre a day, and for adults to keep salt below 5 grams a day. Source
If your ancestry or background is…
Fair skin types
USPSTF (US) guidance says people with fair skin types (pale skin, light hair and eye colour, freckles, or skin that sunburns easily) are at higher risk of skin cancer. It recommends counselling people aged 6 months to 24 years, and parents of young children, about limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and selectively offering this counselling to adults older than 24.
US Preventive Services Task Force · Source
Born in, or with parents from, a region where hepatitis B is more common
CDC (US) guidelines list people born in regions where hepatitis B infection prevalence is 2% or more among those at increased risk, and recommend testing them, regardless of age, if they may have been susceptible to infection. The same applies to people born in the United States who were not vaccinated as infants and whose parents were born in regions where prevalence is 8% or more.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) · Source
Ancestry is a population-level stand-in for risk factors, not a biological cause. Your own situation is for your doctor to judge.
When to see a doctor
- NHS guidance says a temperature of 38°C or higher for more than 5 days in a child aged 3 months to 5 years may be a sign of serious illness. Contact a doctor or local health service; in an emergency, call your local emergency number. (England, UK) Source
- If a young child is missing milestones for their age, or there are concerns about their development, CDC guidance is to talk with the child's doctor, share the concerns and ask about developmental screening rather than wait. Source
- NHS guidance says signs of puberty before age 8 could mean early puberty, and no signs by age 15 could mean delayed puberty. It is usually nothing to worry about, but a non-urgent GP appointment is advised if either is suspected. Contact a doctor or local health service; in an emergency, call your local emergency number. (England, UK) Source
- Feeling sad, hopeless or irritable much of the time, losing interest in fun activities, changes in eating or sleep, or self-harm can be signs of depression in children and teens; CDC guidance says the first step is to talk with a health care provider about an evaluation, and that anyone who is struggling or in crisis can get help from a crisis line. Source
If you are worried about a symptom, contact a doctor or your local health service. In an emergency, call the emergency number for your country.
Common questions
Which items start in this age range in the United States?
For example: Depression screening questionnaire (such as the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ). Guideline: US Preventive Services Task Force. Who it is for: ages 12 to 18. How often / doses: Screening is for major depressive disorder. The task force found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against screening younger children, or screening children and teens for suicide risk.
Which items start in this age range in Brazil?
For example: Hepatitis B vaccine. Guideline: Ministério da Saúde (Brazil). Who it is for: age 7 and over. How often / doses: Anyone without 3 recorded doses starts or completes the course, with the second dose 1 month and the third 6 months after the first.
Sources
- Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Screening (USPSTF Final Recommendation Statement) · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Get Your Child Screened for Anxiety · Checked:
- Depression and Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents: Screening (USPSTF Final Recommendation Statement) · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Get Your Teen Screened for Depression · Checked:
- Child Immunization Schedule Notes (Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States) · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Protect Yourself from Hepatitis B · Checked:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine VIS · Checked:
- Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations (for healthcare providers) · Checked:
- Polio Vaccine VIS · Checked:
- Polio Vaccine Recommendations (for healthcare providers) · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Get Your Pre-teen's Vaccines on Schedule · Checked:
- MyHealthfinder: Get Your Child the HPV Vaccine · Checked:
- NHS vaccinations and when to have them · Checked:
- National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter · Checked:
- Children's flu vaccine · Checked:
- Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 September 2026 · Checked:
- HPV vaccination guidance for healthcare practitioners · Checked:
- HPV vaccine · Checked:
- 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027) · Checked:
- 中国流感疫苗预防接种技术指南(2026—2027)（发布页） · Checked:
- 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版) · Checked:
- 国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)（国家疾控局网站附件） · Checked:
- 国家疾控局 国家卫生健康委关于印发国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2026〕16号） · Checked:
- 国家疾控局综合司 国家卫生健康委办公厅关于调整国家免疫规划百白破疫苗和白破疫苗免疫程序的通知（国疾控卫免发〔2024〕20号） · Checked:
- 《国家免疫规划疫苗儿童免疫程序及说明(2026年版)》解读问答 · Checked:
- 5種混合ワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- 定期接種実施要領（厚生労働省健康・生活衛生局長通知別添） · Checked:
- 予防接種法施行令（昭和二十三年政令第百九十七号） · Checked:
- 日本脳炎ワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- MRワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- DTワクチン（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- ヒトパピローマウイルス感染症~子宮頸がん(子宮けいがん)とHPVワクチン~（厚生労働省） · Checked:
- Calendario común de vacunación e inmunización a lo largo de toda la vida. Calendario recomendado año 2026 (aprobado por el CISNS el 12 de diciembre de 2025) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Tosferina (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Poliomielitis (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Virus de papiloma humano (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Vacunas y Programa de Vacunación — Enfermedad meningocócica invasiva (Ministerio de Sanidad, ciudadanía) · Checked:
- Instrução Normativa do Calendário Nacional de Vacinação 2026 (Ministério da Saúde, DPNI/SVSA) · Checked:
- Calendário Nacional de Vacinação (Ministério da Saúde) · Checked:
- CDC: Developmental Milestones Matter! · Checked:
- CDC: Positive Parenting Tips: Preschoolers (3-5 years old) · Checked:
- NHS: Early or delayed puberty · Checked:
- NHS: Starting your periods · Checked:
- CDC: Positive Parenting Tips for Healthy Child Development - Young Teens (12-14 Years of Age) · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Drowning · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Road traffic injuries · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Mental health of adolescents · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Obesity and overweight · Checked:
- CDC: About Sleep · Checked:
- NHS: Sugar: the facts · Checked:
- CDC: Physical Activity Guidelines for School-Aged Children and Adolescents · Checked:
- WHO fact sheet: Healthy diet · Checked:
- NHS: When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5 · Checked:
- CDC: Anxiety and Depression in Children · Checked:
- Skin Cancer Prevention: Behavioral Counseling (USPSTF Final Recommendation Statement) · Checked:
- Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: CDC Recommendations — United States, 2023 (MMWR Recomm Rep 72(1)) · Checked:
Material adapted from the US Preventive Services Task Force has not been reviewed or endorsed by AHRQ or HHS.
Source: website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (the pages listed above), adapted by Age Flags.
Figures are restated from the publishers listed above; the original guidelines remain theirs. Some content contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Adapted content has not been reviewed or endorsed by the original publishers.
Emergency and crisis lines
United States
Emergency 911 Emergency services (United States) · Source
Crisis line 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States) · Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. · Source
United Kingdom
Emergency 999 NHS England · Source
Health advice 111 NHS England · Source
Crisis line 116 123 Samaritans · Open 24 hours a day. · Source
China
Emergency 120 National Health Commission (China) · Source
Crisis line 12356 National Health Commission (China) · Each line provides at least 18 hours of service a day under the national notice; hours vary by city. · Source
Japan
Emergency 119 Fire and Disaster Management Agency (Japan) · Source
Crisis line 0120‑061‑338 #いのちSOS (Lifelink) · Open 24 hours a day, every day (free call). · Source
Crisis line 0120‑279‑338 Yorisoi Hotline · Open 24 hours a day (free call). · Source
Spain
Emergency 112 Emergency services (Spain) · Source
Crisis line 024 Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain) · Free and confidential, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. · Source
Brazil
Emergency 192 Ministério da Saúde (Brazil) · Source
Crisis line 188 CVV — Centro de Valorização da Vida · Free, 24 hours a day, anywhere in Brazil. · Source
Elsewhere, call your local emergency number.