Immunization Information: School Age Children

As kids get older, protection from some childhood vaccines begins to wear off. Plus, as kids get older, they are more at risk for catching serious diseases, like meningococcal meningitis, so they need protection that vaccines provide.

Health check-ups and sports or camp physicals can be a good opportunity for your preteens and teens to get the recommended vaccines. Preteens and teens may also need catch-up vaccines (if they were not immunized, or were not fully immunized) or vaccines for international travel.  

Help protect your teen's health by getting them vaccinated according to the recommended immunization schedule.

Adolescent immunizations protect against diseases such as:

• Tdap--A booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Now required for 7^th grade school entry for preteens (ages 11-12). Tdap is also recommended for all teens (ages13-18) who haven't gotten this shot yet.

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)--Protects against meningococcal disease. The first dose is recommended at age 11 or 12, followed by a booster (2nd shot) at age 16-18.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine--Protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and some male cancers. HPV vaccine is now universally recommended for both boys and girls starting at age 11-12 years and is given in 3 doses over a 6-month period.

• Influenza (flu) vaccine--Protects against different strains of seasonal influenza. A yearly dose is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

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Review the Adolescent Immunization Schedule to see CDC recommendations.