(10 – 18 years old)

Vaccines aren’t just for babies. As kids get older, the protection provided by some of the shots given during childhood can begin to wear off. Older kids can also develop risks for certain infections as they enter the preteen and teen years.

The vaccines for preteens and teens help protect your children and their friends, and family members too. There are four vaccines recommended for preteens and teens. All kids should get a flu vaccine every year, and three other vaccines should be given starting when kids are 11 or 12 years old.

The four vaccines recommended for preteens and teens are:

• HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine)
• Tdap (whooping cough booster)
• Meningococcal vaccines
• Flu (all kids should get a flu vaccine every year)

Teens may need to catch up on vaccines they missed when they were a preteen. Teens may also need a booster of a vaccine that requires more than one dose to be fully protected.

Any visit to the doctor—for an annual health checkup or a physical for sports or college—can be a good time for preteens and teens to get the recommended vaccinations. Even if your child is going to the doctor because they are sick or hurt, they still may be able to get shots that they need. Vaccines are also available at the health district.

Before visits to the doctor, review this easy-to-read version of the CDC Recommended Immunizations for Children from 7 through 18 Years Old.

Mandated Vaccinations

The Nevada State Board of Health mandates the following through state regulations:

• A student enrolling in 7th grade must be immunized against Bordetella pertussis and Neisseria meningitis (MenACWY) on or after age 10 years.
• A student enrolling in 12th grade after June 20, 2022, must receive a vaccination against Neisseria meningitis (MenACWY) on or after age 16 years. See the Technical Bulletin for more information.
• College freshmen under the age of 24 who plan to live on campus must be immunized against Neisseria meningitis (MenACWY).

Visit the Nevada Administrative Codes 392 and 394 webpages for more information about the regulations.

Immunization Schedule

The immunization schedule developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the recommended guide on when to get vaccinated. Visit the (CDC) website for the most updated immunization schedules.