Concomitant Administration of DTaP, Meningococcal, and HPV Vaccines in 11-Year-Olds
Yes, an 11-year-old can safely receive DTaP (or Tdap), meningococcal, and HPV vaccines together during the same visit, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). 1
Recommended Vaccines at Age 11
For 11-year-olds, the following vaccines are routinely recommended:
- Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis): One dose at age 11-12 years 2
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4): First dose at age 11-12 years 2
- HPV vaccine: First dose at age 11-12 years 2, 1
Safety and Efficacy of Concomitant Administration
The ACIP explicitly supports administering these vaccines together:
- Vaccine providers should administer Tdap and meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) during the same visit if both vaccines are indicated and available 2
- Studies have demonstrated that HPV vaccine can be safely administered with Tdap and meningococcal vaccines without reducing immune response to any of the vaccine components 2, 3, 4
- Clinical trials have shown no increase in adverse events when these vaccines are administered together compared to when given separately 3, 4
Administration Guidelines
When administering multiple vaccines during the same visit:
- Each vaccine should be administered using a separate syringe at a different anatomic site 2
- Some experts recommend administering no more than two injections per muscle, separated by at least one inch 2, 1
- All vaccines should be administered via the appropriate route - intramuscular (IM) for Tdap, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, and HPV 2
Benefits of Concomitant Administration
Administering all indicated vaccines during a single visit offers several advantages:
- Increases the likelihood that adolescents will receive each vaccine on schedule 2, 1
- Provides timely protection against multiple diseases 1
- Reduces the number of office visits required 1, 5
- Improves overall vaccination compliance 1
Monitoring After Vaccination
- Observe the patient for 15-20 minutes after vaccination to monitor for syncope (fainting), which occurs more frequently in adolescents 2, 1
- If syncope occurs, patients should be observed until symptoms resolve 2
Common Side Effects
When receiving multiple vaccines, patients may experience:
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
- Mild systemic reactions (fatigue, headache, low-grade fever)
- These reactions are generally mild and resolve within a few days 1
Important Considerations
- The 11-year visit is an excellent opportunity to provide all recommended vaccines and any catch-up vaccinations 1, 5
- Delaying any of these vaccines leaves adolescents vulnerable to serious diseases 1
- HPV vaccination rates have historically lagged behind Tdap and meningococcal vaccination rates, making concomitant administration particularly important for improving HPV vaccine uptake 6
By administering all three vaccines at the same visit, healthcare providers can ensure comprehensive protection against multiple serious diseases while maximizing efficiency and compliance with the recommended immunization schedule.