From the Guidelines
A 14-year-old should anticipate receiving the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster, Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series, and Influenza vaccine annually. The Tdap booster is typically given between ages 11-12, so if not already received, it should be administered now, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1. The MenACWY vaccine is usually given at 11-12 years with a booster at 16 years, as supported by studies on the duration of vaccine-induced immunity and the risk of meningococcal disease in adolescents 1. The HPV vaccine series consists of two doses if started before age 15, given 6-12 months apart, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1. If not started by 14, a three-dose series is recommended. The annual flu shot is important for all age groups, as it reduces the risk of influenza and its complications 1. These vaccines are crucial for protecting against serious diseases during adolescence and into adulthood. The Tdap booster reinforces immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Meningococcal vaccine protects against potentially fatal bacterial meningitis. HPV vaccine prevents various cancers caused by human papillomavirus. The flu shot reduces the risk of influenza and its complications. Parents should consult with their child's healthcare provider to ensure all vaccinations are up to date and to discuss any specific health considerations or catch-up schedules if needed. Some key points to consider include:
- The importance of receiving the Tdap booster to prevent pertussis, which is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease 1
- The need for a booster dose of MenACWY at 16 years to maintain protection against meningococcal disease 1
- The recommended schedule for the HPV vaccine series, which may vary depending on the age at which vaccination is started 1
- The annual flu shot, which is an important measure to prevent influenza and its complications 1
From the Research
Recommended Vaccines for 14-Year-Old Adolescents
- The Tdap vaccine is recommended for adolescents aged 10-18 years to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis 2, 3, 4.
- The Tdap vaccine has been shown to be highly immunogenic and well-tolerated in adolescents, with seroprotective levels of antibodies against diphtheria and tetanus achieved in virtually all participants 2, 4.
- The vaccine has also been shown to be effective in preventing pertussis, with seropositivity rates for antibodies against pertussis antigens ≥90% in adolescents 2, 4.
- Other vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine and the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, can be co-administered with the Tdap vaccine without affecting immune responses 5.
- Booster doses of the Tdap vaccine can be given 10 years after the initial booster dose, and have been shown to be immunogenic and well-tolerated in young adults 6.
Vaccine Safety and Efficacy
- The Tdap vaccine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in adolescents, with local injection-site reactions being the most common adverse events 2, 4.
- The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, with high seroprotection rates against these diseases 2, 4.
- The vaccine has also been shown to be effective in preventing pertussis, with high seropositivity rates for antibodies against pertussis antigens 2, 4.