Recommended Vaccines for a 14-Year-Old
A 14-year-old adolescent should receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis), meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY), 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 Vaccines
Tdap Vaccine
- One dose of Tdap is recommended for all adolescents at age 11-12 years
- If not previously received, it should be administered at age 14 1
- Only one dose of Tdap is needed during adolescence, followed by Td boosters every 10 years 2
- Provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
- First dose recommended at age 11-12 years
- Second dose recommended at age 16 years due to waning immunity 2, 1
- Protects against meningococcal disease which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections
- Studies show approximately 50% of persons vaccinated 5 years earlier will not have protective antibody concentrations for serogroups C and Y, highlighting the importance of the booster dose 2
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Recommended for all adolescents at age 11-12 years
- If not started previously, should be initiated at age 14 1
- For those starting the series before age 15, a 2-dose schedule is recommended
- For those starting at age 15 or older, a 3-dose schedule is required 2, 1
- Protects against HPV infections that can lead to certain cancers and genital warts
Annual Vaccine
Influenza Vaccine
- Recommended annually for all adolescents 1
- Particularly important for those with chronic medical conditions like asthma
Catch-up Vaccines (if not previously received)
Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Should complete the 3-dose series if not previously vaccinated
- A 2-dose series of Recombivax HB is licensed for adolescents aged 11-15 years 1
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
- Should have received 2 doses
- If not previously received, complete with doses separated by at least 4 weeks 1
Varicella Vaccine
- Should have received 2 doses
- If no history of chickenpox disease and not previously vaccinated, should receive 2 doses separated by at least 3 months 1
Implementation Considerations
Simultaneous Administration
- All indicated vaccines can be administered during the same visit 2, 1
- Using separate syringes at different anatomic sites
- Administering all indicated vaccines during a single visit increases the likelihood that adolescents will receive each vaccine on schedule 2
Missed Opportunities
- There are distinct missed opportunities to administer adolescent vaccines, particularly HPV vaccine 2
- If HPV vaccine had been administered during the same visit at which another recommended vaccine was given, vaccination rates would be higher 2
Documentation
- All administered vaccines should be documented in the adolescent's immunization record 1
Special Considerations
Immunocompromised Adolescents
- May have different vaccination requirements
- Some live vaccines may be contraindicated depending on the level of immunosuppression 1
- Adolescents with certain immunocompromising conditions like complement component deficiencies or asplenia may need additional meningococcal vaccine doses 2
By ensuring adolescents receive these recommended vaccines at age 14, healthcare providers can help protect them from serious vaccine-preventable diseases during adolescence and beyond.