13 to 18 Years

Between 13 through 18 years old, your child should visit the doctor once each year for check-ups. This can be a great time to get any vaccines your teen may need. Below are vaccines recommended for your teen.

The following vaccines are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), other medical societies, and CDC:

• Flu Vaccine
  Everyone 13-18 years of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year.
• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  A booster dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is needed at age 16 to maintain protection against some of the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease, including sepsis and meningitis.

• Recommended Vaccine Schedule

  

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

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  Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine
  Teens may also be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (2 or 3 doses depending on brand), preferably at 16 through 18 years old, but also up to age 23.

Catch-Up Vaccinations

If your child has not yet started or completed the HPV vaccine series, they should get those shots now. If your child has not received a one-time dose of Tdap, they should get that shot as soon as possible.

• HPV Vaccine
  Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines help protect both girls and boys from HPV infection and cancers caused by HPV.
• Tdap Vaccine
  Tdap vaccine is recommended for protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Is Your Teen Traveling?

Does your teen have an opportunity for travel outside the United States? Be sure to check CDC's Travelers' Health Vaccinations website and to talk to your child’s doctor about routine and travel-related vaccines.

Vaccines before College

Before your child enters college, check that his or her vaccinations are up to date. These include childhood, preteen and teen vaccinations. Many states recommend and several states require that some college students receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

Learn more about meningitis in community settings.

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