Immunizations for Adolescents (age 7-18)

 

 

When we think about vaccines, we often think of infants and small children, however staying up-to-date on immunizations are key to preventing illness throughout our lives. In fact, teenagers and young adults often get a number of vaccine-preventable diseases, including pertussis, measles, and meningitis. They need additional vaccines to help protect them from these illnesses. Health check-ups and sports or camp physicals can be good opportunity for your preteens and teens to get their recommended vaccines.

 

Adolescent immunizations protect against diseases such as:

Tdap – A booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis should be given at the age 11-12 yrs, this is very important to protect against all 3 diseases. Td is then recommended every 10 years from this point on. The Td is given if the person should not get the pertussis. Information about Teens and Tdap Vaccine

Meningococcal vaccines (MCV4 and MenB) – Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is recommended for all preteens and teens 11-12 years old with a booster dose at 16 years old. The serogroup B Meningococcal vaccine (MenB) is recommended for teens 16-18 years old. Information about Meningococcal Vaccines

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine– The HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged 11-12 years so that they are protected before exposure to the virus. The HPV vaccine is given as a 2-dose series before age 15. Both girls and boys should receive 2 doses of the vaccine to prevent HPV-related diseases. Teens 13 years and older who either did not get any or did not receive all of the HPV vaccines when they were young should complete the vaccine series. Adolescents who are older than 15 at the start of the vaccination series and young adults need 3 doses of HPV vaccine for pull protection. Information about HPV Vaccine

Is you child only half protected against HPV-related cancers? 

Influenza (flu) vaccine – Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot every year. This vaccine contains several strains of protection and changes every year. This is why it is so important to receive one yearly. Information about Teens and Flu

Hepatitis A – Is recommended for preteens and teens. It is given in a two dose series spaced 6 months apart. Information about Hepatitis A Vaccine
Take this quiz to see what vaccines your adolescent needs!

Current Recommended Immunizations for adolescents (Age 7 -18 years)

Easy-to-Read Schedule for Preteens and Teens, 7-18 Years

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Is your child starting a new school year? Check the State of Indiana’s school requirements to make sure your child is ready!

Did your child miss a dose or fall behind schedule on recommended vaccines? While we encourage all parents to keep their child’s vaccines up-to-date, we understand that sometimes situations arise that cause a child to fall behind. Life happens! However, it is important that your child gets caught up as soon as possible to minimize the amount of time they are left vulnerable. We can help! Give us a call and we would be happy to help you make a plan to get your child’s immunizations back on track!
Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children on time increase the risk of disease and death not only for their children, but also for other children and adults throughout the entire community. There are many reason to vaccinate your child fully AND to vaccinate them on time. Please click the links provided for each individual vaccine above for information on why these vaccines are important for your preteen or teen to receive right now. If you still have questions or concerns, speak with your health care provider or call to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our nurses.
Research has demonstrated that the adolescent vaccine schedule and combination of vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety. The United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history. There is no scientific evidence that immunizations cause autism or that giving multiple shots can harm or “overload” the immune system. Side effects can occur with any medicine, including vaccines. Slight discomfort (such as pain at the injection site) is common, non-serious side effect. Serious reactions to vaccines are very rare. Anyone who receives a vaccine should be informed about both the benefits and risks of vaccination. More information on vaccine safety is available at: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html . 

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For more information, visit CDC.gov/vaccinate, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Immunization Action Coalition