Preteen Vaccines

Immunizations Recommended for Preteens

11-and 12-year-olds need five vaccines to protect them against serious diseases:

• Tdap vaccine to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. All incoming 7th graders need proof of a Tdap vaccine and two doses of chickenpox vaccine before starting school.
• Two doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect against HPV-related cancers and infections.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) to protect against certain serious types of bacterial meningitis and other related infections.
• A seasonal flu vaccine to protect against serious illness caused by the flu.
• COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Preteens may also need to catch up on other immunizations, including chickenpox (many don’t have their 2nd dose), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and hepatitis B. Two shots of chickenpox vaccine are required before 7th grade in California.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)

Pertussis (whooping cough) is widespread in California and other states. 

Whooping cough is a common respiratory disease in adolescents. It can cause severe coughing spells that lead to vomiting or broken ribs. 

To help prevent whooping cough and meet school entry requirements, preteens should get the Tdap vaccine. Getting sick with whooping cough or getting whooping cough vaccines doesn't provide lifelong protection, which means you can still get whooping cough and pass it on to others. Whooping cough vaccines are effective but not perfect. They typically offer high levels of protection during the first 2 years after getting vaccinated, but then protection fades over time. This is known as waning immunity. This is why booster shots are important for preteens. The Tdap booster shot also protects students from tetanus and diphtheria. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common and can cause cancer. HPV is so common that most sexually active men and women will get infected with HPV in their lives, most often during their teens or early 20’s. About 42 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and about 13 million more get infected each year.

The HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection against:

• cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women;
• penile cancer in males; and
• anal, mouth, and throat cancers and genital warts in females and males.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all genders starting at 9 years old because the vaccine works best before infection with the virus. The vaccine prevents HPV infection; it does not cure it. Studies also show that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given by the preteen years. In fact, teens who wait until age 15 or later to get the HPV vaccine need three doses instead of two to be protected. That’s why it’s better not to wait to vaccinate. The best way to remember to get your child all of the shots is to make appointments for the next dose(s) before you leave the doctor’s office after getting the first shot.

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal (meh-ninja-CAH-cal) disease is a rare but serious infection in the blood or areas around the brain and spinal cord. About 10% of teens who get the disease die from it, and another 15% will have long-term disability from it, such as loss of limb(s), deafness, nervous system problems, or brain damage.

The risk of meningococcal disease increases in the preteen through teen and young adult years. The bacteria that cause this infection can spread through close contact, such as kissing, coughing, and sharing drinks. Living in crowded conditions and smoking can increase the risk of getting this disease. One dose of meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is recommended for all 11- and 12-year-olds. A booster dose is also recommended at age 16.

A meningococcal vaccine (MenB) that protects against another type of meningococcal disease may be administered to adolescents and young adults 16-23 years of age. Adolescents may also receive one vaccine (MenABCWY) when both MenACWY and MenB vaccines are recommended at the same visit. Ask your doctor if MenB vaccine is recommended for your child or teen.

Influenza (flu)

Flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control reported 181 deaths in children due to flu during the 2022-2023 flu season.

The best way to prevent flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine.  Flu can send even healthy kids to the hospital. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Preteens should get a flu vaccine by the end of October before the flu begins spreading in your community. For those who missed the opportunity, getting vaccinated later is still a good idea.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. While most people infected with COVID-19 may have mild illness, COVID-19 can cause severe illness and death. The Centers for Disease Control estimated that COVID-19 was the fourth leading cause of death in 2022 in the United States, with nearly 245,000 deaths.

Adolescents are recommended to receive an updated (2023-2024) COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.  The current vaccine more closely targets the currently circulating strains. Just like our phones and computers need to be updated to avoid viruses, our immune systems need updating, too! Billions of COVID-19 vaccine doses have been given with significant benefits and limited risks. Most side effects are mild and last a couple of days. Getting vaccinated is a safer choice.

Catching COVID-19 can mean disruption of school activities, worsening mental health, decreased physical activity, or even serious illness for kids. Infected kids may also infect a parent or other vulnerable family member.