Pre-teens and Adolescents

As children reach their pre-teen and adolescent years, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. As a result, pre-teens and adolescents are at a greater risk for catching certain diseases. Introducing vaccinations during the pre-teen years increases the level of protection during adolescence. For this reason, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination of pre-teens and for those adolescents who have not yet received 1 dose of MCV4.

Because the incidence of meningococcal disease increases during adolescence, the ACIP recommends routine vaccination of all persons aged 11-18 years. Children aged 11-12 years should visit their healthcare providers to receive 1 dose of MCV4 and other preventive services.

To learn more about pre-teen and adolescent vaccines, visit the vaccine site.

Related Links

Questions and Answers for Parents about Meningitis and Vaccines (51 KB, 3 pages)
Ready-to-print versions of one of the CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website (www.vaccineinformation.org) Dated 4/07
"It's Their Turn" Educational and Awareness Initiative A CDC initiative which provides a comprehensive set of tools and materials to assist state and local health departments in implementing educational and awareness activities to promote adolescent immunization.
- "It's Their Turn" Pre-teen Vaccination Print Materials
CDC’s Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign Through extensive audience research, CDC has created posters, flyers, and PSAs in English and Spanish to educate parents and providers about the three pre-teen vaccines and the 11 and 12 year old medical check-up.
Meningococcal State Mandates for Elementary and Secondary Schools Find out the meningococcal vaccination mandates for elementary and secondary schools in your state.

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