When you think about vaccines, you might think about young children and babies. While immunizations are certainly important for ensuring young children get a healthy start, they’re also essential throughout the lifespan. Today we turn our focus to teens – a group with their own unique immunization needs and considerations. During adolescence, immunity from some childhood vaccines begins to decrease. Risk for exposure to certain diseases also increases during this stage of life. In short, teens need vaccines, too! So what exactly are the diseases teens need to be vaccinated against and why? 

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Infants and young children receive 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine starting at 2 months of age. This protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Around age 11, immunity to these diseases begins to decrease, so kids this age will need to receive the Tdap vaccine. This vaccine protects older children and adults from the same diseases: 

• Tetanus (or “lockjaw”) is a serious disease caused by bacteria found in environments like dirt or soil. The bacteria produce a toxin which causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to “locking” of the jaw, making it hard or impossible for a person to open their mouth or swallow. Once tetanus spreads throughout the body, there is a chance of death.

• Diphtheria is also caused by bacteria that can produce a toxin. It is spread through respiratory drops from coughs and sneezes or through touching contaminated objects. While diphtheria is now rare thanks to vaccines, it is a serious and highly contagious disease, and outbreaks do happen in other parts of the world outside the U.S.

• Pertussis (or whooping cough) is a highly contagious infection that impacts breathing. It is most severe in infants and young children but affects people of all ages. At first, the infection may seem like an ordinary cold, but as it progresses it causes violent coughing spells so bad that some individuals may experience rib fractures or pass out. Pertussis cases are currently on the rise in the U.S. (more than four times what they were this time in 2023) and globally.

A booster dose of Tdap is necessary every ten years to maintain protection, and those who are pregnant should get the vaccine at 27-36 weeks during every pregnancy. Colorado law requires all students to receive the Tdap vaccine prior to entry into 6th grade.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine is recommended starting at ages 11-12 and can be given as early as age 9. If the first dose of the vaccine is given before age 15, only 2 doses are required. Those who get the first dose after age 15 need 3 doses. HPV is a virus that is spread through intimate skin-to skin contact, including sexual activity. It can cause cervical, genital, anal, and oral cancers, as well as genital warts. The HPV vaccine protects against the 9 types of HPV that cause the most HPV cancers. It is recommended starting at such a young age because that is when the body builds the most robust immunity against the virus. It is also important to give the vaccine before there’s a chance for exposure to the virus. The vaccine won’t work as effectively if it’s given after an HPV infection, so early prevention is key. 

An even more compelling reason to get the HPV vaccine is that HPV is extremely common – so common that nearly everyone will contract HPV at some point in their lives if they are not vaccinated. It’s best to get the HPV vaccine before being exposed to the virus, though there are still some benefits to getting it after. There is no treatment for HPV infection. You can spread it even if you don’t have symptoms. Most infections will clear up on their own, but others do not and can result in genital warts and cancer later in life.  You can learn more about the HPV and the HPV vaccine at HPVFreeCO.org and at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center. 

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease can cause severe blood infection, or sepsis. It is caused mainly by the A, B, C, W, and Y types of meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal disease is spread through respiratory drops when an infected person coughs, sneezes, shares drinks, or kisses another person. The disease also spreads through close contact, so those living in dorm-like settings are at higher risk. While the disease is rare, it is very serious and can become deadly within hours, which is why vaccination is so important.

The MenACWY vaccine, which protects against the A, C, W, and Y strains of meningococcal bacteria, is recommended at age 11 or 12, and a booster should be given at 16-18 years. The MenB vaccine, which protects against the B strain of meningococcal bacteria, is another vaccine that should be considered at ages 16-18. The MenABCWY vaccine is an additional option that protects against all 5 bacteria strains. Depending on your child’s age and previous meningitis immunizations, their provider may offer this vaccine. You can learn more about meningococcal disease prevention from the American Society for Meningitis Prevention. 

Respiratory Diseases: Influenza (flu) and COVID-19

Respiratory diseases like flu and COVID-19 can be severe at any age – even in healthy children and teens. We simply don’t know who will end up with mild illness or who will become so ill they’ll need to be hospitalized, or worse. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Current guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination are similar: regardless of vaccination history, everyone 6 months and older should get the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine to stay protected against the latest circulating disease variants. Often when the topic of COVID-19 and teens comes up, we hear talk of myocarditis. The most important thing you need to know about COVID-19 and myocarditis is that there is a much greater risk of getting it from a COVID-19 infection than from vaccination. While you can still get sick with flu and COVID-19 after vaccination, infections are generally shorter and much milder if you’ve been vaccinated than if you hadn’t.

Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to keep us safe at any age. When teens are up to date with recommended immunizations, they’ll have the protection they need to face the rites of passage that come with adolescence and stay healthy into adulthood. That, and parents and caregivers can have one fewer worry! If you have questions about vaccines for your teen, visit Immunize For Good or talk to your family’s medical provider.

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. Discover ways to support our commitment to healthy Colorado communities at our website or make a donation today!