Adolescents may think they're immune from getting sick. But you know better. As adolescents approach their teen years, they are at greater risk for certain diseases, such as meningococcal disease—a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.51,52 Adolescents typically have fewer wellness visits than young infants and children, so it's important to find out if they're up-to-date on all age-appropriate vaccinations.54 A physical for school, sports, or camp can be a great opportunity for this.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.78 Adolescents are vaccinated against it with the Tdap vaccine.
Read moreThe flu can be serious. But fortunately, it's preventable. Adolescents, along with everyone over 6 months of age, should get the flu vaccine every year.49
Read moreAt least half of all sexually active people will get HPV in their lifetime, and many won't even know it.61 It's important to vaccinate your adolescent before they become sexually active.
Read moreCollege students—particularly freshmen who live in dormitories—aren't the only ones who may be at increased risk for this potentially deadly disease. Younger adolescents may also be at risk.52
Read more at cdc.govYour adolescent was probably vaccinated against tetanus as a child, but that protection wears off over time. This is why your preteen needs a booster shot known as Tdap, which also helps protect them from diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis).
Read moreThis highly contagious disease has been on the rise in the United States.57 Infants are most at risk, but adolescents and adults have accounted for an increasing number of cases in recent years. You can help protect your adolescent with a Tdap booster.
Read moreYour teenager or preteen may need to catch up on some childhood vaccines, depending on his or her immunization history. If your child was never immunized or didn't finish a vaccine series for the following diseases, talk to your health-care professional about catch-up immunization.79
Chickenpox VaccineThe chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is recommended for adolescents who haven't been previously vaccinated and have not had chickenpox. Any adolescent who was vaccinated as a child with only 1 dose should get a second dose.49
Read more at cdc.govAnyone under 19 years of age who was never vaccinated against Hep B or didn't get the whole series needs catch-up vaccination.80
Read moreThe United States is in the middle of its worst measles outbreak in 15 years.81 It's more important than ever to make sure your adolescent is fully vaccinated against measles.
Read more at cdc.govYour teen or preteen should have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine during childhood to help protect against mumps.49
Read more at cdc.govAdolescents may need a booster shot if they didn't get fully vaccinated as a child, or before traveling to a developing country with a low vaccination rate—even if they were vaccinated as children—to ensure the original vaccine series remains effective.49,29
Read moreIf your teen or preteen didn't receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine as a child, he or she could be at risk for rubella.92
Read more at cdc.govSome teens and preteens need to be vaccinated against the following diseases, depending on their health condition, lifestyle, and if they plan to visit certain countries.79 Check with your health-care provider to see if your child is at higher risk.
Hepatitis A VaccineYour adolescent may have a greater chance of getting the disease if he or she is traveling out of the country or has certain medical conditions. Lifestyle factors (such as drug use) may also increase an adolescent's risk of Hep A. Vaccination is recommended for adolescents who are not fully vaccinated or who are at an increased risk for infection.57
Read more at cdc.govAdolescents who smoke, have asthma, sickle cell disease, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are at high risk of complications from pneumococcal disease and should get vaccinated. Because protective antibodies often decline, revaccination may be needed.57
Read more at cdc.gov
