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Adolescent and Adult Vaccination
Babies and young children aren’t the only ones who need vaccines to stay healthy! Adolescents and adults are at risk for certain preventable diseases, and the best way to ensure you’re protected is to ask your healthcare provider if your vaccinations are up to date.
Getting vaccinated as an adolescent or adult can also prevent the spread of illness to babies and other members of your family and community who cannot be vaccinated. The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is recommended for parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers and any other people who will come into regular contact with a newborn. When close contacts are vaccinated against pertussis they create a “cocoon” of protection around the newborn, lowering the baby’s chance of contracting the illness. Cocooning is particularly important for young infants who have the highest rate of pertussis. In 87-100 percent of all deaths caused by pertussis, the victim is an infant less than six months of age. It is recommended that all relatives and frequent visitors get vaccinated against pertussis at least two weeks before coming into contact with infants.
Which vaccines do adolescents 7-18 years of age need?
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap): One dose recommended at 11-12 years of age
The Tdap vaccine protects from three serious diseases—tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system; pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by bacteria spread and can lead to weeks of violent coughing; and tetanus is bacteria found in the soil that can lead to a locking of the jaw. All three diseases have potentially fatal consequences.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Three doses recommended at 11-12 years of age
The HPV vaccine is an important vaccine for all young women and men to receive. HPV is a common virus that is a major cause of cervical cancer in women and genital warts in men and women.
Meningococcal Conjugate MCV4: One dose recommended at 11-12 years of age and one booster dose recommended at 16 years of age
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, an infection around the brain and spinal cord, in children and adolescents. Serious side effects, including loss of limbs, deafness, nervous system problems and even death can occur from this disease.
Influenza (flu): One dose recommended annually for everyone six months of age and older
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms usually last from several days to weeks, but complications can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially among the elderly and young. Getting your flu shot each year is important to staying healthy!
Which vaccines do adults need?
Influenza: One dose recommended annually for everyone six months of age and older
Influenza is a high contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms usually last from several days to weeks, and complications can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially among the elderly and young. Getting your flu shot each year is important to staying healthy!
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap): One Tdap dose recommended between 11-12 years of age, followed by a Tdap booster every ten years
The Tdap vaccine protects from three serious diseases—tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system; pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by bacteria spread and can lead to weeks of violent coughing; and tetanus is bacteria found in the soil that can lead to a locking of the jaw. All three diseases have potentially fatal consequences.
Varicella (chickenpox): Two doses recommended between 19 and 65 years of age*
Chickenpox is very contagious and spreads easily. Symptoms include an itchy rash with blisters, tiredness and fever. Though chickenpox is usually mild, some cases can lead to severe complications that require hospitalization and/or are life-threatening.
*If you have not been vaccinated or have no evidence of previous infection
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Three doses are recommended for females up to age 26 and up to age 21 for males*
The HPV vaccine is an important vaccine for all women and men to receive. HPV is a common virus that is a major cause of cervical cancer in women and genital warts in men and women.
* If you did not receive the three recommended doses at 11-12 years of age
Zoster (shingles): One dose recommended for adults 60 years of age and older
Shingles occur because the same virus that causes the chicken pox can stay in the body in an inactive state. The virus can become reactivated years later, causing shingles. About half of all cases occur among men and women 60 years of age and older.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): One or two doses recommended for adults 19 to 55 years of age
The MMR vaccine protects against three deadly preventable diseases in one. Measles is one of the most contagious vaccine-preventable diseases and causes rash, fever, cough and in some cases, pneumonia, seizures and even death. Mumps is an infectious disease that causes fever, headaches, painful swelling of the glands under the jaw and can lead to severe complications. Rubella, a virus spread through coughing and sneezing, usually causes a mild illness of fever, rash and swollen glands, but can create very serious complications for a pregnant mother’s baby in the womb.
Pneumococcal conjugate 13-valent (PCV13) and Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23): One dose of either PCV13 or PPSV23 recommended for adults 65 years of age and older*
Pneumonia can be a serious infection for adults and lead to other complications, including ear infection, sinus infection and meningitis. In some cases, pneumococcal disease can be deadly or result in long-term problems such as brain damage, hearing loss and limb loss, making it very important for older adults to receive this vaccine.
*PCV13 and PPSV23 are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine. It should be discussed with your doctor or a medical professional to find out which one or if both are recommended for you.
For more information, visit the CDC's teen and adult vaccine webpages.
