What vaccines does a 14-year-old need?

Recommended Vaccines for a 14-Year-Old

A 14-year-old adolescent should receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis), meningococcal conjugate (MCV4), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines as core immunizations, along with an annual influenza vaccine and any catch-up vaccines they may have missed. 1

Core Adolescent Vaccines

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)

• The Tdap booster should be administered at 11-12 years of age, but if not received yet, it should be given at 14 years 1
• This replaces the older Td (tetanus-diphtheria) recommendation and provides crucial protection against pertussis (whooping cough) 1
• Only one dose of Tdap is needed during adolescence, followed by Td boosters every 10 years thereafter 1

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4)

• First dose recommended at 11-12 years of age 1
• If not previously vaccinated, should be administered at 14 years
• A second dose is recommended at age 16 years due to waning immunity, as studies show decreased vaccine effectiveness over time 1
• This two-dose schedule provides protection through the period of highest risk (late adolescence) 1

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)

• Recommended for all adolescents at age 11-12 years 1
• If not started earlier, should begin the series at 14 years
• Requires completion of the full series (2-3 doses depending on age at initiation) 1
• Protects against HPV infections that can lead to certain cancers and genital warts 2

Annual Vaccine

Influenza Vaccine

• Recommended annually for all adolescents 1
• Particularly important for those with chronic medical conditions like asthma 1
• Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) is preferred; live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) may be contraindicated in certain conditions 1

Catch-Up Vaccines

If the 14-year-old has not previously received or completed these vaccine series, they should also receive:

Hepatitis B (HepB)

• Complete the 3-dose series if not previously vaccinated 1
• A 2-dose series of Recombivax HB is licensed for adolescents aged 11-15 years 1

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

• Should have received 2 doses; second dose typically given at 4-6 years 1
• If not previously received, should complete the 2-dose series with doses separated by at least 4 weeks 1

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Should have received 2 doses; second dose typically given at 4-6 years 1
• If no history of chickenpox disease and not previously vaccinated, should receive 2 doses separated by at least 3 months 1

Hepatitis A (HepA)

• Complete the 2-dose series if not previously vaccinated 1
• Doses should be separated by at least 6 months 1

Special Considerations

• Simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines is safe and effective, with no interference between routinely recommended vaccines 3
• Immunocompromised adolescents may have different vaccination requirements, with some live vaccines contraindicated depending on the level of immunosuppression 1
• Documentation of all administered vaccines should be maintained in the adolescent's immunization record 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Missing the second dose of MCV4: Studies show waning immunity after the first dose, making the second dose at age 16 crucial for continued protection through the highest risk period 1

2. Delaying HPV vaccination: Many providers fail to strongly recommend HPV vaccine, resulting in lower coverage compared to other adolescent vaccines 4

3. Overlooking catch-up vaccinations: The adolescent visit is an important opportunity to ensure all childhood vaccines are complete 5

4. Not recognizing contraindications: Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) may be contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals 1

By ensuring all recommended vaccines are administered according to the schedule, healthcare providers can help protect 14-year-olds from serious vaccine-preventable diseases during adolescence and beyond.