Immunizations › Adolescents
Vaccines are not just for babies anymore. Pre-teens, ages 9-12, and teens have different needs for immunizations. Teens are more social and take more risks, so they are likely to catch certain diseases. Also, the protection from the immunizations they received as children can begin to fade so an additional dose or booster is needed. By giving the immunizations in the pre-teen years, teens are protected when they are most at risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccines for your pre-teen and teen.
The following vaccines are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC starting at age 11or 12 and some are required for school attendance in Virginia:
Recommended Vaccines:
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Tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap)
Protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis)
Virginia requirement: a booster dose of Tdap before entering the 6th grade, if at least five years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.
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Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)
Protects against most strains of bacterial meningitis
Virginia requirement: one dose before attending a four year public university.
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Protects women against HPV that can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts with a three-dose series
Virginia requirement: beginning school year 2009, the first dose is required for girls before starting 6th grade.
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Influenza
Protects against the seasonal flu strains predicted to be most common during the year and is given annually
In 2008, Advisory Committee of Immunization Practice (ACIP), a non-biased agency, recommended an annual influenza vaccine for every child, ages 6 months through 18 years old.
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Hepatitis A (HepA)
Protects against hepatitis A (type of liver disease). This two-dose vaccine series is often given to teens, especially if living in or traveling to areas with high rates of this disease.
Catch up Vaccines:
If your teen did not receive the following vaccine series, they need them now:
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Inactivated Poliovirus (Polio)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Resources:
In addition to the links below, the websites listed in the Infants & Toddler section of this website also have good information for teens and their parents.
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Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people.
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National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the causes, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.
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National Meningitis Association
The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease.
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Meningitis Angels
Meningitis Angels is a nonprofit organization, founded in memory of, Ryan Milley, who died from meningococcal meningitis.
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Center for Young Women’s Health – Children’s Hospital of Boston
The Center for Young Women’s Health (CYWH) is a collaboration between the Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine and the Division of Gynecology at Children’s Hospital Boston.
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The American College Health Association
ACHA is the principal advocate and leadership organization for college and university health.
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Virginia College Requirements
Public, four-year institutions in Virginia require Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Hepatitis B and Meningococcal are required but written waivers are allowed.