Vaccines for Preteens & Teens

Vaccines are not just for infants. As kids get older, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. Help your child transition into adolescence in a healthy way by staying up-to-date on pre-teen vaccines.

HUMAN Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination

HPV is a common virus that can cause certain cancers later in life. Protect your child from these cancers with HPV vaccine beginning at age 11-12 years. HPV Vaccine works much better during the preteen years than when given later. Children who are vaccinated earlier need only two shots instead of three.

When should my child get the HPV Vaccine?

• Children ages 11-12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 years apart. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9.
• Children who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need three doses, given over 6 months.
• If your teen isn’t vaccinated yet, talk to a healthcare provider about doing so as soon as possible.

Meningococcal Vaccination

Meningococcal disease can be devastating and often—and unexpectedly—strikes otherwise healthy people. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, teens and young adults 16 through 23 years old are at increased risk. Meningococcal bacteria can cause severe, even deadly, infections like meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood. About 1 in 5 people who survive their meningococcal infection have permanent disabilities.

There are at least 13 types of N. meningitidis, called “serogroups.” Serogroups A, B and C cause the most meningococcal disease, though the proportion of cases caused by W, X and Y is increasing. Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines can prevent meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B.

There are 3 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Each type helps protect your child against different serogroups (strains) of meningococcal disease.

• MenACWY vaccines protect against 4 serogroups: A, C, W, and Y.
  • Adolescents need 2 doses of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine:
    • ‚ First dose: 11 or 12 years of age
    • ‚ Second (booster) dose: 16 years of age
• MenB vaccines protect against serogroup B:
  • preferred timing is 16-18 years old
• MenABCWY vaccine protects against all 5 serogroups.

Talk to your healthcare provider about the Meningococcal vaccine or call us at 435-792-6500.