Immunization Recommendations for Children and Teens
7-18 Years Old
Your child or teen probably received most of their vaccines during infancy, but as your child gets older it is equally important to make sure your child continues to stay up to date on vaccines. Vaccines protect your child or teen from various diseases that could be prevented. Children are active in the community through school, sports, and other activities. These interactions increase the possibility of coming in contact with diseases that could make them sick.
Vaccines can help fight off diseases, but the ability for some vaccines to protect your child or teen can wear off over time. As they get older children and teens may need booster vaccines to boost their immunity and keep them protected or additional vaccines based on their age and new stages in life.
Talk to your child or teens healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on vaccines and booster vaccines.
On This Page—Learn About:
Vaccine Recommendations for 7-18 Years Old | CDC Immunization Table | Vaccines by Age |
Vaccines Required for School | Additional Resources
Vaccine Recommendations for 7-18 Years Old
Immunizations help protect your child from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. The table below provides information about vaccine recommendations for children and teens. Learn more about the vaccines and the diseases they prevent by clicking on the links in the table.
| Vaccine | Disease | Recommendation |
| Flu | Seasonal Influenza | A flu vaccine is recommended for children of all ages every year. Find a flu vaccine location near you. |
| Tdap | Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) |
Children and teens who did not get a DTaP vaccine (For ages 0-6) when they were younger should get a Tdap vaccine (For ages 7 or older) as soon as possible. A booster Tdap vaccine is recommended for children 11 years and older, preferably at at age 11-12. |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus Virus | Recommended for males and females ages 11-12. The HPV vaccine can be given as early as age 9 and up to age 45 to help prevent HPV infections and cancers caused by HPV. |
| MenACWY or MenB | Meningococcal (Meningitis) |
A meningococcal vaccine is recommended for preteens and teens ages 11-18, to protect them from infections that can cause meningococcal disease, bloodstream infections and meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining).
|
| PCV13 or PPSV23 | Pneumococcal | A pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for children and teens with chronic health conditions that effect the heart, liver, lungs, or kidneys. It is also recommended for children with an immunocompromised condition, including asplenia (lack of a spleen), cerebrospinal fluid leak or a cochlear implant. |
| Hep A | Hepatitis A | Most children received these vaccines during infancy. If your child or teen did not get these vaccines or is missing any of these vaccines, they should get vaccinated as soon as possible. |
| Hep B | Hepatitis B | |
| Poliovirus | Polio | |
| MMR | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | |
| Varicella | Chickenpox |
Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccines. Below is a reminder of what vaccines and boosters are recommended for children and teen at various ages.
Vaccines for Children Ages 7-10
Vaccines for Preteens Ages 11-12
Vaccines for Teens Ages 13-18
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Meningococcal (Meningitis) Booster Vaccine
- A Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine may be recommended for some teens 16 to 18, including those who did not receive the MenACWY vaccine.
In addition to vaccines being important for your child's health, vaccines are also required in order to attend most schools in California. Make sure your child has the vaccines needed to attend school.
- All student (TK/K-12) are required to show proof of immunizations before starting school in California.
- Additional vaccines may be needed for 7th-12th graders.
What Vaccines Does Your Child Need?
Children and Teens Vaccine Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources (CDC)
- 2020 Recommended Vaccinations for Children (7-18 Years Old)
- Vaccines for Your Children
- Spanish Infant and Childhood Vaccine Resources
California Department of Public Health
- Immunization Branch
- California School Immunization Law
- Vaccines For Your Preteen Poster
- What Shots Does My Preteen or Adolescent Need Poster
- Vaccines for Teens and Preteens Poster
- Recommended Preteens Vaccine Poster | Vacunas recomendadas para preadolescentes
Tips for Finding Vaccine Records
General Vaccine Information
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center
- Vaccinate Your Family—Information to Protect People of All Ages from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
- Voices for Vaccines—Parents Speaking up for Immunization
- BrainPOP—Animated Educational Website for Kids to Learn About Vaccines
- National Meningitis Association (NMA)
Vaccine Recommendations for:
For more information or to request
materials,
contact the San Diego Immunization Unit via e-mail or call us at (866) 358-2966.
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