Immunization Schedule for 16 to 18 Years Old

Immunization Schedule for 16 to 18 Years Old

Vaccines are usually given at various ages, according to a schedule. You may need to get more than one dose of some vaccines because the protection or immunity can wear off over time.

You need to get some vaccines every year because the germs that the vaccine protects you from can change from year to year.

Recommended immunizations for 16–18 years old

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

  • You should get this dose only if you need to catch up on doses you missed in the past.

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 get dose of Tdap vaccine. You should get this vaccine 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 get 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 gestation.

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 get the vaccine if they have certain high-risk conditions.

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine

  • You should get this vaccine as recommended if you have certain conditions.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) vaccine

  • You should get this vaccine as recommended if you have certain high-risk conditions.

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine

  • Individuals 18 years or older usually do not receive the vaccine.
  • Individuals younger than 18 years should get the vaccine, if needed, to catch up on doses that were missed in the past.

Influenza (IIV or LAIV) vaccine

  • You should get this dose every year.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

  • You should get this dose only if you need to catch up on doses you missed in the past.

Varicella (VAR) vaccine

  • You should get this dose only if you need to catch up on doses you missed in the past.

Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine

  • If you did not get this vaccine before 2 years of age, you should get it only if you are at risk for infection or if you desire hepatitis A protection.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

  • You should get this dose only if you have not been given this vaccine before.
  • If you got the first dose before your 15th birthday, you may get a 2-dose series.
  • The second dose of the 2-dose series 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 second dose.
  • If vaccination was started after your 15th birthday, a 3-dose series should be obtained. The second dose should be obtained 4 weeks after the first dose, and the third dose should be obtained 12 weeks after the second dose.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine

  • You should get this dose only if you need to catch up on doses you missed in the past.
  • A booster should be obtained at age 16 years.
  • 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 get the vaccine.

Questions to ask your health care provider:

  • Am I up to date on my vaccines?
  • Do I need to delay, avoid, or skip any vaccines because of my health history?
  • Are there any special vaccines that I need?
  • What vaccines do I need for college?
  • What vaccines do I need for school or sports?
  • What vaccines do I need for travel?

Contact a health care provider if you:

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

Get help right away if you:

Develop 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 16–18 years, you may need to receive vaccines to catch up on missed doses. Ask your health care provider if you are up to date on vaccines.
  • You should get an annual flu shot (influenza vaccine).
  • You may need other vaccines based on your health history.
  • Talk with your health care provider if you have any other questions about vaccines or the vaccine schedule.
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