Important Information for Teens

There are many vaccines recommended for adolescents. Three are recommended for first-time
administration at 11-12 years of age, adolescents who are not vaccinated at this age should be brought up-to-date as soon as possible. They are the meningococcal conjugate (MCV4); tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap); and human papillomavirus (HPV). The influenza vaccine is recommended annually for all adolescents. 

Meningococcal disease
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but teenagers and college freshman who live in dormitories have an increased risk of getting the disease. Even with rapid, appropriate treatment, about 11 percent of people who become infected will die and 11 to 19 percent of survivors will suffer complications including brain damage, hearing loss and amputations. Re-vaccination is recommended every five years for those at continued risk.

Human papillomavirus
HPV is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact. Some types can cause cervical cancer in women. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts in both women and men. Each year about 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 4,000 women die from it in the United States. Two HPV vaccines are available to protect against HPV types that cause most cervical cancer. Either vaccine is recommended for girls at ages 11 and 12. One HPV vaccine also protects against HPV types that cause most genital warts. Boys and young men may choose to get this vaccine to prevent genital warts. Neither vaccine eliminates the need for cervical cancer screening, because the vaccines do not protect against all HPV infections that cause cervical cancer. Pre-teens should get all 3 doses of an HPV vaccine before their first sexual contact (before they could be exposed to HPV).

Pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria
Pertussis is very contagious and can cause prolonged, sometimes extreme, coughing. While adolescents usually do not get as sick from pertussis as young children, coughing fits can still take place for 10 weeks or more. If pertussis is transmitted to infants, it can be life-threatening. Young children are protected when they get the DTaP vaccine, but protection wears off as kids get older, so teens need this booster. Diphtheria is rare in the U.S., however, it still exists in other countries and can pose a serious threat to any American not fully immunized who travels abroad or who has contact with infected foreigners in the U.S. Tetanus occurs in about 40 to 50 people in the U.S. each year, resulting in approximately 5 deaths annually.

Influenza
Influenza kills more Americans than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined (an average of 36,000 deaths annually) and hospitalizes more than 200,000 Americans each year. Teens with chronic health problems like asthma and diabetes are at especially high risk of developing serious flu complications. Getting sick from the flu can result in missed school, work and extra-curricular activities.

Where to get vaccinated:
Reno/Sparks
    HAWC Community Clinic (775) 329-6300
    Saint Mary's Immunizations (775) 770-7100
    Washoe County Health District
        Information (775) 328-3724
        Appointment Scheduling (775) 328-2402

Northern Nevada
    Carson City Health and Human Services (775) 887-2190
    Community Health Centers
    Nevada Health Centers (800) 787-2568

How much do these vaccines cost?
Teens age 18 and younger may be eligible to get low-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program (VFC) if they are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native. The providers listed above are all VFC providers. For families with health insurance, all or most of the cost is usually covered, be sure to check your plan coverage and make an appointment with your health care provider today.

A healthcare professional can tell you which vaccinations are right for you. Download the resources below for more information.

Visit Vaccinate Before You Graduate on Facebook
Parents PACK: Information from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
10 Reasons to be Vaccinated

• Vaccinate before you Graduate is supported by the Nevada State Health Division through Grant Number 5H23IP922549-09 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada State Health Division nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Wellness Checklist for Teens

Important Information about Meningitis

List of Recommended Vaccinations for ages 11-19

Frequently asked questions about Teen Vaccinations

Important Facts about Teen Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent

VFC Program Information and Vaccines Q and A for Parents

Vaccine Information Statements for Teen Vaccines (Eng/Span)

2011 Recommended Immunizations for Ages 7-18