Immunization Schedule for 13 to 15 Years Old

In the United States, certain vaccines are recommended for children and adolescents starting at birth. Vaccines are usually given at various ages, according to a schedule. The schedule is designed to protect your child by:

• Giving vaccines at the best age for your child’s immune system to develop protection.
• Preventing disease at the age when your child is most likely to be at risk.
• Properly spacing doses of vaccines.

The timing of immunization doses may vary. Timing and number of doses depend on when immunizations are begun and the type of vaccine that is used.

Recommended immunizations for 13–15 years old

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.
• A preteen or an adolescent aged 11–15 years can, however, obtain a 2-dose series. The second dose in a 2-dose series should be obtained at least 4 months after the first dose.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine

• A preteen or an adolescent aged 11–18 years who is not fully immunized with the DTaP vaccine or has not received a dose of Tdap should obtain a dose of Tdap vaccine.
• The dose should be obtained regardless of the length of time since the last dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.
• The Tdap dose should be followed with a Td dose every 10 years.
• Pregnant adolescents should obtain 1 dose during each pregnancy. The dose should be obtained regardless of the length of time since the last dose. Immunization is preferred during the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

• Individuals older than 5 years of age are usually not given this vaccine. However, individuals age 5 and older who have not been vaccinated, or are partially vaccinated, should obtain the vaccine if they have certain high-risk conditions.

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine

• Adolescents who have certain conditions should obtain the vaccine as recommended.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) vaccine

• Adolescents who have certain high-risk conditions should obtain the vaccine as recommended.

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine

• A dose should be obtained every year.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Varicella (VAR) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.

Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine

• An adolescent who has not received the vaccine before 2 years of age should obtain the vaccine if he or she is at risk for infection or if hepatitis A protection is desired.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained if your child has not already been given this vaccine.
• Before age 15, a 2-dose series is recommended for all teens. The second dose should be obtained 6–12 months after the first dose. If the second dose of the vaccine is obtained earlier than 5 months after the first dose, a third dose may be needed 12 weeks after the first dose.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine

• Doses should be obtained only if needed to catch up on doses your child missed in the past.
• Preteens and adolescents aged 11–18 years who have certain high-risk conditions should obtain 2 doses. Those doses should be obtained at least 8 weeks apart.
• Adolescents who are present during an outbreak or are traveling to a country with a high rate of meningitis should obtain the vaccine.

Questions to ask your child’s health care provider:

• Is my child up to date on his or her vaccines?
• What should I do if my child missed a dose of a vaccine?
• Does my child need to delay, avoid, or skip any vaccines because of his or her health history?
• Does my child need any special vaccines or more vaccines because of his or her health history?
• Can I have a copy of my child’s vaccine record?

Contact a health care provider if your child:

• Has pain where the shot was given, and the pain gets worse or does not go away after a couple of days.
• Has a fever.

Get help right away if your child:

• Has a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher.
• Develops signs of an allergic reaction, including:
  • Itchy, red, swollen areas of skin (hives).
  • Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing.

Summary

• At 13–15 years old, your child may need to receive vaccines to catch up on missed doses. Ask your health care provider if your child is up to date on his or her vaccines.
• Your child should receive the annual influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine.
• Your child may need other vaccines based on his or her health history.
• Talk with your child’s health care provider if you have any other questions about vaccines or the vaccine schedule.