Adolescents

Immunizations for Adolescents

Leaving their lunch at home, forgetting to get a permission slip signed, suddenly needing a ride somewhere after school…you knew there would be days like this. But did you know that as they get older, teens are at increased risk for some infections. Also, the protection provided by some childhood vaccines begins to wear off. Immunizations can help protect your teens, their friends, the community and other family members around them.

Recommended Vaccines for Adolescents

There are five vaccines recommended for preteens and teens.

Flu (Influenza) vaccine- Even healthy teens can get the flu and it can be serious. A dose every year is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
COVID-19 vaccines can protect against serious illness in everyone 6 months and up, including adolescents. Preventing COVID-19 infection can mean less time away from school, sports, and social activities.
HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine, which protects girls and women against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccine can also help protect boys against genital warts and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine is given in 3 doses over a 6-month period to boys and girls starting at 11-12 years old.
Meningococcal vaccine protects against the devastating bacterial infection meningococcal meningitis. The infection can cause brain damage, arm and leg amputations, kidney damage, and death. A meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY protects against four types of the bacteria (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) that cause bacterial meningitis. Preteens need to get immunized with MenACWY at 11–12 years and again at age 16. Teens may also get a meningococcal vaccine called MenB that protects against another type of bacteria (serogroup B) that causes bacterial meningitis. MenB vaccine can be given at 16–18 years. While any teen may choose to get a MenB vaccine, certain preteens and teens should get it if they have specific health conditions or at increased risk. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.
Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (or whooping cough). Tdap is required for 7th grade entry in California.

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

Older children and teens need vaccines too! 2024 Recommended Immunizations for Children 7–18 Years Old

Where to get Vaccinated
Immunization Clinic locations