About Vaccinations for Preteens and Adolescents (11-18 years)

Overview

Vaccines help provide protection against many diseases. They help the body to increase protective antibodies that fight off infections. With antibodies, preteens and adolescents may not develop illness from the infection or may not develop severe infection. There are many vaccines, also referred to as immunizations, that are given during the preteen and adolescent years.

Each year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews and provides updated guidance on vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccine-preventable diseases that apply to preteens and adolescents include:

• COVID-19
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza (Flu)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

Here’s a summary of each disease and recommended vaccines. These are general recommendations. The available vaccines listed those included in the June 2024 CDC update. New vaccines may become available, updated or recommended. Check with your healthcare professional regarding the specific vaccines that are available and timing of vaccination for your preteen or adolescent.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

• COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While infants and toddlers are less likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, some children may develop severe COVID-19 and require hospitalization. Preteens or adolescents with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of developing severe illness with COVID-19.
• Who should receive COVID-19 vaccine? The CDC recommends that all people age 6 months or older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine during the upcoming respiratory season (generally September thru January).
• What vaccines are available: There are two types of updated COVID-19 vaccines available for 2024-25
  • mRNA vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax): These vaccines may be used for people age 6 months and older.
  • Protein-subunit vaccines: Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine: This vaccine may be used for people age 12 years and older.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• HPV infection is very common viral infection that may cause anal and genital warts as well as oral and anogenital cancers later in life. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected. Many people may not know they are infected.
• Who should receive the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine is usually given as a series of two shots 6-12 months apart. Typically the HPV vaccine is given at the ages of 11-12, but it can be given as early as 9 years of age.
• What vaccines are available? Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV including the two types that have the highest association with cancer.

Influenza (Flu)

• Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza viruses, including influenza type a and influenza type B. These viruses cause the flu each year during “flu season”, generally October through May. The viruses may change each year, so new flu vaccines are created each year to be available starting around September.
• Who should receive vaccine? All people 6 months old or older should receive the annual influenza vaccine each year, unless contraindicated (such as an allergic reaction to the flu shot).
• What vaccines are available? There are many brands of flu shot available each year. Check with the doctor or pharmacist regarding whether a specific flu shot is recommended for your preteen or adolescent.

Meningococcus

• Meningococcal disease is relatively rare condition caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Infection can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections that cause serious illness and could be deadly within hours. Meningococcal bacteria are spread through close or lengthy contact with infected people. People at increased risk for infection include teens and young adults (ages 16 through 23 years old).
• Who should receive the meningococcal vaccine? Meningococcus vaccines are usually given as a series of two shots at 11-12 and between 13-18 years of age. The timing and type of vaccine given depend on each individual.
• What vaccines are available? It is important to check with a healthcare professional regarding whether a specific meningococcus vaccine is recommended for your child’s individual situation.
  • Meningococcal conjugate (Men ACWY): Menvio, MenQuadri
  • Serogroup B meningococcal (Men B): Bexsero, Trumenba
  • Pentavalent meningococcal (Men ABCWY): Penbraya

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

• Tetanus is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is a serious disease that causes lockjaw and can progress to seizures, difficult swallowing, involuntary muscle spasms, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
• Diphtheria is a disease caused by a toxin is released by the Clostridium diphtheriae bacterium. The toxin can cause serious illness if it affects the respiratory system. The skin and other body parts can be affected. In the United States, this disease is almost always associated with international travel.
• Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by the Bordatella pertussis bacteria. It causes symptoms of a cold (runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough). The cough can progress to uncontrollable coughing fits. People with pertussis may make a high-pitched whoop sound when they inhale during these coughing fits. This may cause breathing problems. Contact a doctor immediately if struggling to breathe.
• Who should receive vaccination against these diseases? Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccines are usually given in combination as a series of six shots during infancy and childhood at the following ages:
  • 2, 4 and 6 months
  • 15-18 months
  • 4-6 years
  • 11-12 years
• What vaccines are available?
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap): Adacel, Boostrix