Recommended Vaccines for a 12-Year-Old
A 12-year-old should receive the Tdap vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), and HPV vaccine (for both males and females) as part of their routine immunization schedule. 1
Core Vaccines for 12-Year-Olds
Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap): Administer at age 11-12 years as a single dose to those who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series. This is a crucial booster to maintain immunity against these diseases. 1
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4): Administer at age 11-12 years to protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. 1
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: Administer the first dose at age 11-12 years, followed by the second dose 2 months later and the third dose 6 months after the first dose. This vaccine is recommended for both males and females to prevent HPV-associated cancers. 1
Catch-Up Vaccines (if not previously received)
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): Verify that the second dose has been administered (typically given between ages 4-6 years). 1, 2
Varicella vaccine: Ensure the second dose has been administered (typically given between ages 4-6 years). 1, 2
Hepatitis B vaccine: Verify completion of the three-dose series. 1, 2
Hepatitis A vaccine: Complete the two-dose series if not already finished. 1, 2
Annual Vaccines
- Influenza vaccine (TIV): Administer annually to all children. For 12-year-olds, the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended. 1
Special Considerations
Pneumococcal vaccine: If the child has not previously been vaccinated with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and has certain risk factors (chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular system, immunosuppression, etc.), they should receive one dose. 1
Additional meningococcal protection: Children with complement component deficiency, anatomical or functional asplenia, or other high-risk conditions may need additional meningococcal vaccination. 1
Implementation Tips
All indicated vaccines can and should be administered during the same visit to increase the likelihood of complete vaccination. 1
Each vaccine should be administered using a separate syringe at a different anatomic site. 1
The 11-12 year visit provides an important opportunity to ensure all vaccinations are up to date, as coverage rates for adolescent vaccines remain below the Healthy People 2010 target of 90%. 3, 4
If the child has missed previous recommended vaccines, this visit should be used to catch up on any missing immunizations. 2, 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Missing HPV vaccination: Despite recommendations, HPV vaccination rates lag behind other adolescent vaccines. Ensure this important cancer prevention vaccine is administered. 5, 3
Delaying vaccines: Administering all indicated vaccines during a single visit increases the likelihood that adolescents will receive each vaccine on schedule. Don't postpone any vaccines that are due. 1, 4
Overlooking special risk groups: Children with chronic conditions may need additional vaccines beyond the standard recommendations. Always assess the child's complete medical history. 1
Spacing concerns: While a 5-year interval between Td and Tdap is encouraged to reduce the risk of reactions, a shorter interval may be used when pertussis protection is needed. The benefit of protection generally outweighs the risk of reactions. 1