Immunization Catch-Up Planning

Catch-up planning starts with a record and ends with a dated, safe next step. A child who is late for a dose usually does not lose credit for valid doses already received: the missed dose is given as soon as possible, and the series is not restarted. The interval that matters is the minimum interval, not the length of the delay. Canadian routine schedules are set provincially and territorially, so identify the jurisdiction before selecting the catch-up table. Nunavut’s catch-up aid, for example, should not be substituted for the schedule used in another province or territory. Run two checks in parallel: 1. Timing: Age, product, prior valid doses, and administration dates determine which dose is due and the earliest permissible date. For DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, and MMRV, the minimum interval between any two doses is 4 weeks (28 days). 2. Safety and authority: Screen for absolute contraindications, confirm the order and the nurse’s competence, and follow the scope and local immunization protocol. A delay beyond the recommended maximum interval does not trigger a restart; give the next indicated dose...