Tweens and Teens

Your Tweens and Teens (11-18)

Protect Your Kids’ Future with Vaccines

As children age, the protection provided by earlier vaccinations can wear off. Therefore, they will need some boosters as well as a few additional vaccines.

The vaccines they will need between ages 11 and 18 include: tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), meningococcal ACYW & B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). While some of these vaccines may not be required at your child’s school, they are still greatly beneficial to your teen’s health. This is also an excellent time to see if they need to catch up on any other vaccines like varicella, hepatitis A, or others. You can ask the doctor if any additional vaccines are needed.

To Prepare Yourself

• Always bring your teen’s immunization record to each visit.
• Ask the doctor to ensure your teen is current on all vaccines.
• Ask the doctor questions about required and recommended vaccines.

To Prepare Your Teen

Be Honest
Be honest with your tween or teen, explaining why they need the shot(s) and how the vaccines keep them healthy.

Relaxation
Encourage your tween or teen to relax and suggest that it may be better to look away while the shots are given.

Distract
Engage your teen or tween in conversation while they receive the shot(s).