Preteen and teen immunizations
Having a close relationship with your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) is just as important now as it was in their younger years. The PCP relationship continues to build with regular office visits. During these visits, your PCP will also talk with you about recommended vaccines for your preteen or teen.
As kids get older, protection from some childhood vaccines begins to wear off, and they develop risks for other diseases. The CDC recommends that children receive one meningococcal, one Tdap and two HPV vaccines six or more months apart or three HPV vaccines if the first two doses were less than five months apart, by their 13th birthday.
Keep your kids on an annual check-up schedule to ensure they are up-to-date on immunizations.
Annual wellness visits
After three years of age, children and teens should continue to have regular annual checkups. Preventive care is an important part of keeping them safe into adulthood, so make sure these visits remain a priority.
Preteen and teen immunization schedules
Recommended immunizations (7-18 years)
View this easy-to-read Preteen and Teen Immunization Schedule (PDF) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Adolescent Immunization Scheduler
Determine the vaccines needed according to the Adolescent Immunization schedule. (Source: CDC)
Where to get your immunizations
You can go to your PCP or pharmacy or both to be vaccinated. See our list of retail pharmacies that provide vaccinations.
If you receive pharmacy benefits through a carrier other than Dean Health Plan, be sure to confirm insurance coverage of vaccines provided at your pharmacy.
Guidelines to keep in mind:
- No prescription is necessary if receiving vaccines at one of the listed retail pharmacies
- Members can get vaccines from their PCP, pharmacy or a combination of both
- Call your pharmacy to ask if a vaccine is in stock or available
- Visit cdc.gov to learn more about vaccines and schedules
Immunization resources
- Resources for Parents about pre-teen vaccines (Source: CDC)
- Resources for preteens and teens (Source: CDC)
- Basics and Common Questions (Source: CDC)
- Understanding How Vaccines Work (Source: CDC)
- Reliable sources for immunization Information (Source: immunize.org)