Recommended Immunizations for a 12-Year-Old Female
A 12-year-old female should receive the Tdap vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and annual influenza vaccine as core immunizations for this age group. 1
Core Immunizations
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis)
- Administer at age 11-12 years for those who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series 2
- Essential as tetanus immunity decreases over time, with studies showing 28% of adolescents had lower-than-protective antibody levels 6-10 years after their last tetanus vaccination 1
- Provides protection against pertussis (whooping cough), which has seen resurgence in adolescents due to waning immunity 3
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
- Administer at age 11-12 years 2
- A second dose will be needed at age 16 years 1
- Particularly important for those with complement component deficiency or anatomic/functional asplenia 2
HPV Vaccine
- Administer first dose at age 11-12 years 2, 1
- For girls beginning the series before age 15, a two-dose schedule is recommended with doses separated by at least 5 months 1
- Higher antibody responses are achieved when administered at younger ages (9-15 years) 1
- Provides protection before potential exposure to HPV through sexual contact 1
- Does not eliminate the need for future cervical cancer screening 1
Influenza Vaccine
- Administer annually 2, 1
- Only trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) should be used for immunocompromised persons 2
- Particularly important for those with chronic medical conditions 1
Catch-up Vaccines (If Not Previously Received)
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
- Administer to adolescents who do not have a reliable history of chickenpox and have not been vaccinated 2, 1
- Two doses are required, separated by at least 4 weeks 2, 1
- Approximately 20% of adolescents ages 11-12 years remain susceptible to varicella 2
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Verify that the child has received two doses of MMR at ≥12 months of age 2, 1
- Administer second dose if not previously received 2
Hepatitis B
- Complete the 3-dose series if not already done 1
Administration Considerations
- Schedule follow-up appointments for subsequent doses at the time of initial vaccination 1
- Multiple vaccines can be administered during the same visit 1
- Consider having the patient sit or lie down for 15 minutes after administration due to potential for syncope (fainting) in adolescents 1
- Defer vaccination in patients with moderate or severe acute illness 1
- Address parental concerns about vaccine safety with factual information 1
Special Considerations
- Adolescents with certain medical conditions may require additional vaccines, such as pneumococcal vaccines 2, 1
- For immunocompromised patients, live vaccines (like the live attenuated influenza vaccine) should be avoided 2
- Pregnancy testing is not required before starting HPV vaccination, but the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy 2, 1
By ensuring these recommended immunizations are administered at age 12, you provide optimal protection against several serious infectious diseases and establish a foundation for lifelong immunity.