Age Groups and Vaccines — Teenagers (13 to 20 years)
During the teenage years, the vaccines that may be required include a booster of tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV) and a meningococcus vaccine.
The Tdap vaccine is similar to the Td vaccine previously given every 10 years; however, the new vaccine also provides protection against pertussis or whooping cough. Immunity to pertussis fades allowing for a significant amount of disease in older children and adults. In turn, this group gives the illness to young children who have not yet been protected by immunization and who are particularly susceptible to hospitalization and death from pertussis.
The HPV vaccine is a new vaccine that can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine is given in 3 shots. The second shot is given two months after the first and the third shot is given six months after the first shot. The vaccine can be given to girls and young women from 9 years to 26-years of age.
In addition to 11- and 12-year olds, meningococcus is currently recommended for 15-year-olds and college freshmen living in dormitories. However, even if your child is not going to attend college, he or she may benefit from the meningococcus vaccine.
- Learn more about the Tdap vaccine»
- Learn more about the HPV vaccine»
- Check your state's requirement for meningococcus vaccine»
- Download question and answer sheets about these vaccines»
Preparing for vaccines
By this age, your teen has received several vaccines, but it probably still doesn't feel entirely comfortable watching him or her get more. Most likely your teen has not had negative consequences before and that is likely to be the case again. If your teen has had a negative experience previously, be sure to discuss that event with the doctor before it is time for the next vaccine to be given. Also, remember that your teen will take the lead from you. If you are feeling comfortable that this is an important and necessary thing to do, so will your teen.
To prepare yourself
- Be sure to ask questions before the office staff comes in with the vaccine. Usually, vaccines are given after a physical exam and discussion with the teen and/or parents.
- Bring your teen's immunization record to the visit with you.
- Read the Vaccine Information Sheets and any other materials that the office staff provides to you.
To prepare your teen
- Talk reassuringly to your teen. Also, make eye contact with and smile at your teen leading up to and immediately following the shots.
- Check with the doctor about giving a non-aspirin pain reliever.
- Be honest with your teen, explaining that it may hurt a bit, but it will not be for long. And the vaccine will keep him or her healthy.
- Engage your teen in a conversation.
- You may want to have the office staff rub an alcohol pad on the opposite hand or arm immediately before giving the shot. Right when the shot is ready to be given, have your teen blow on the alcohol-swabbed spot. The action of blowing on the alcohol will produce a feeling of cold that will lessen the sensation of pain. It will also help your teen to think about something else and feel more like he or she is in control. Some healthcare professionals will help with this by asking the teen for his or her help and describing what to do.
- Encourage your teen to relax his or her muscles and take a few short deep breaths then a few longer breaths while getting the shots. Suggest that it may be better to look away while the shots are given.
Remember, taking your children to get vaccines is an act of love. You are protecting them from something much worse than the pain of the vaccine.
After the vaccines
When you get home, realize that your teen may be more tired than usual. He or she may be sore where the shot was given. Try to be patient and understanding and provide comfort to your teen. You can also administer a pain reliever as directed by the doctor. If the area where the shot was given is red, tender or swollen, your teen can use a cool wet cloth on the area. If your teen has a fever, have him or her take a cool shower or bath. Give your teen plenty of fluids and be aware that he or she may be less interested in food over the next 24 hours.
Watch for signs of a reaction from the vaccine including a rash, prolonged fever, or unusual behaviors. If you have any reason for concern, call the doctor. He or she can tell you what to expect and what to do.
While most side effects are minor, if your child has a severe reaction, you or the doctor can file a report to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System or VAERS.
Updated: April 2008
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