Updated Vaccination Guide for Adolescents and Tweens This Year
Stay informed with the latest vaccination schedule for teens and preteens. This guide highlights essential vaccines like Tdap, HPV, meningococcal, and more, to keep your child protected. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized immunization plans to ensure your child receives timely vaccines that promote long-term health and safety.
As children reach age seven and above, it’s important to stay current with their immunizations. This phase of the vaccination schedule helps cover missed shots and introduces new vaccines recommended for teens and preteens. The CDC suggests specific vaccines to protect against various diseases during this stage. Ensuring your child is up-to-date is crucial for their health and community safety. Consult your healthcare provider to tailor the vaccination plan to your child's needs and ensure they receive all necessary immunizations on time.
Tdap vaccine
Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Typically administered around ages 11 or 12, especially if missed earlier. Teenagers can still receive the dose if they have not been vaccinated during that age window.
Hepatitis B
This vaccine is recommended from age 7 to 18. Confirm dosage and schedule with your healthcare provider to ensure proper immunization.
Hepatitis A
If your child hasn't received this vaccine earlier, schedule a visit to get vaccinated. While not immediately threatening for children, it can help prevent transmission to susceptible adults.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
CDC recommends vaccinating children aged 11 to 12. Typically, a two-dose series is given six months apart. Older teenagers (15+) who missed earlier doses should receive three shots due to weaker immunity.
Meningococcal
Protects against meningitis types. The initial dose is ideally given at age 11 or 12, with a booster at age 16 to ensure continued protection.
Polio
If your child completed all IPV doses before age 4, no further shots are needed. Otherwise, consult your doctor for additional doses.
Influenza
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6 months old to combat changing virus strains and maintain effectiveness.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
If your child missed these shots, they can be vaccinated at any time, with doses spaced at least one month apart.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Children over 13 should receive two doses, spaced at least a month apart. For those younger than 13 who haven't had chickenpox, two doses are also recommended, with a minimum interval of three months.
