What vaccinations are required for an 11-year-old?

Required Vaccinations for an 11-Year-Old

An 11-year-old child should receive Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis), MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate), and HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines as the core recommended immunizations at this age. 1

Core Vaccinations for 11-Year-Olds

1. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)

• Administer at age 11 or 12 years as a single dose for those who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series 1
• This is a booster dose that provides continued protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis 1
• The preferred age for Tdap vaccination is 11-12 years to reduce morbidity associated with pertussis in adolescents 1
• Two brands are available: BOOSTRIX (minimum age 10 years) or ADACEL (minimum age 11 years) 1

2. Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)

• Administer at age 11 or 12 years as a single dose 1
• Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause severe and potentially fatal infections 1
• A second booster dose is recommended at age 16 years, but this is not yet applicable for an 11-year-old 2

3. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)

• Recommended to be initiated at age 11 or 12 years 1, 2
• Administered as a series: the first dose at age 11-12 years, the second dose 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose 6 months after the first dose 1
• Protects against HPV infections that can lead to certain cancers and genital warts 2

Additional Vaccinations (If Not Previously Received)

4. Influenza Vaccine

• Recommended annually for all children aged 6 months through 18 years 1
• Only the inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) should be used for children with certain medical conditions 1
• Should be administered before or during flu season each year 1

5. Catch-up Vaccinations

• Hepatitis A (HepA): If not previously vaccinated, should receive 2 doses 2
• Hepatitis B (HepB): If not previously vaccinated, should complete the 3-dose series 2
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Should have received 2 doses; catch-up if needed 2
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Should have received 2 doses; catch-up if needed 1, 2

Special Considerations

• Simultaneous administration: All indicated vaccines can and should be administered during the same visit to increase the likelihood of complete vaccination 1
• Different anatomic sites: Each vaccine should be administered using a separate syringe at a different anatomic site 1
• Spacing: Some experts recommend administering no more than two injections per muscle, separated by at least one inch 1
• Observation period: A 15-20 minute observation period following vaccination is suggested by some experts to monitor for syncope (fainting), which can occur more commonly in adolescents 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Missed opportunities: Large coverage differences between Tdap and other recommended vaccines indicate substantial missed opportunities for vaccinating adolescents, especially against HPV 3
• Delaying HPV vaccination: Starting the HPV series at age 11-12 provides the best protection before potential exposure to the virus 1
• Inadequate spacing: Ensure proper intervals between doses for multi-dose vaccines like HPV 1
• Failure to catch up: Adolescents who missed childhood vaccinations should receive catch-up doses according to the recommended schedule 2, 4

By ensuring these vaccinations are administered at age 11, you're providing optimal protection against several serious diseases and establishing a foundation for continued preventive healthcare throughout adolescence.