For Preteens and Teens

Learn more so that you can talk to your parents and your doctor about the vaccines you need and the diseases they prevent.

What Vaccines Might You Need

• Preteen and teen vaccines
  4 shots (preventing 6 diseases) meningococcal, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, human papillomavirus, and influenza.
• Catch-up vaccines (those who were not immunized, or were not fully immunized before 2 years old)
  3-4 shots (preventing 6 diseases) hep B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella
• Vaccines for those at high-risk (international travel and many health conditions)
  2 shots (2 diseases) hep A and pneumococcal

Learn more about vaccine preventable diseases >>

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Before & After the Shot(s)

• Preparing for vaccination
  1. Read the VIS* before you go!
  2. Bring your immunization record with you.
  3. Be honest with yourself, it may hurt a bit.
  4. During the shot: breathe slowly and deeply, listen to music, imagine your favorite activity.
  5. Take someone with you to the appointment for support.
• After the shot(s)
  1. Stay seated for 15 minutes after the shot to prevent fainting.
  2. Your arm will probably be a little sore/tender, red or swollen where the shot was given—which is a common reaction. A cool wet cloth on the spot might help.
  3. Take a non-aspirin pain reliever if arm pain persists.

  * Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS)
  Inform those being vaccinated about the disease, vaccine, risks and benefits and lists who should not be vaccinated. It also explains what to do if there is a moderate or severe reaction to the vaccine.

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More About Vaccines & Diseases they Prevent

• Preteens and teens need these vaccines
  Chart showing the vaccines needed at 7-10, 11-12, and 13-18 years old
  English [627 KB, 2 pages] | Spanish [494 KB, 2 pages]
• HPV Vaccine Information For Young Women
  This fact sheet for preteen, teen and young women provides more information about the HPV vaccine
• Teens GetVaxed videos
  Epic videos about why you need vaccines
• College and Young Adults (ages 19-24) need these vaccines
  Are you studying abroad, entering armed services, or needing to meet university vaccine requirements?
• Rap song about getting vaccinated (60s) (MP3) (30s) (MP3) Rap Lyrics[DOC - 44KB]
• How do vaccines work
  Learn about the human immune system’s response to vaccination.
• Herd immunity
  Learn how when most people are vaccinated, the spread of disease is limited.
• Every day, teens are infected with hepatitis B...[PDF - 73KB]
  There are lots of ways to get this disease: sharing items such as toothbrushes, razors, or nail clippers, getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsterile equipment, or having sex
• Cervical cancer
  Basic info about cervical cancer

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Related Sites

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• Go Ask Alice!
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• STDs
  How to lower your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases

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