Vaccines Recommended for an 11-Year-Old
An 11-year-old should receive three routine vaccines: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis), MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate vaccine), and HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine). 1
Core Routine Vaccines at Age 11-12 Years
Tdap Vaccine
- Administer one dose of Tdap at age 11-12 years for adolescents who have completed the childhood DTP/DTaP series 2, 1
- This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Coverage with Tdap is consistently high, reaching 88.7% nationally 3
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
- Administer one dose of MenACWY at age 11-12 years 2, 1
- This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y
- A booster dose is required at age 16 years 2, 3
- The vaccine can be given as early as age 11 years, with the booster administered if at least 4 years have elapsed since the first dose 4
HPV Vaccine
- Administer the first dose of HPV vaccine at age 11-12 years 1, 5
- The series can be started as early as age 9 years, which may improve completion rates 2, 5
- For adolescents starting before age 15 years, a 2-dose schedule is used (doses at 0 and 6-12 months) 5
- The second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose, and if a third dose is needed, it should be given 6 months after the first dose 2
- HPV vaccination is critical because it prevents multiple types of cancer, and vaccination before sexual debut provides maximum protection 5
Rationale for Vaccination at Age 11 Years
Why This Age?
- Immune responses are strongest in children aged 9-15 years compared to older adolescents and young adults 5
- Vaccination before potential HPV exposure through sexual activity provides the greatest cancer prevention benefit 1, 5
- Approximately 24% of adolescents report sexual activity by 9th grade, making early vaccination essential 5
- Starting HPV vaccination at age 9-10 years results in 97.5% series completion by age 13.5 years, compared to only 78.0% completion when started at age 11-12 years 2
Bundling Vaccines
- All three vaccines (Tdap, MenACWY, and HPV) should be administered during the same visit 1
- This approach reduces missed opportunities and improves overall vaccination rates 3, 6
- Strong provider recommendation for all three vaccines simultaneously is crucial, as lack of provider recommendation is a major barrier to vaccination 1
Additional Catch-Up Vaccines (If Needed)
If the 11-year-old is not up to date with childhood vaccinations, catch-up doses may be needed for:
- Hepatitis B vaccine (if series not completed) 2, 3
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) - second dose if not received 2
- Varicella vaccine (chickenpox) - second dose if not received 2
- Hepatitis A vaccine - if not previously vaccinated 2
Annual Vaccine
Influenza Vaccine
- Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all adolescents 2
- This should be given every fall/winter season
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not delay HPV vaccination - waiting until older adolescence significantly reduces effectiveness and completion rates 2, 5
- Do not miss the opportunity to give all three routine vaccines at the same visit - large coverage gaps exist between Tdap (88.7%) and HPV (65.5%), indicating substantial missed opportunities 3, 6
- Do not provide weak or ambiguous vaccine recommendations - strong, unequivocal provider recommendations are essential for parental acceptance 1, 5
- Do not assume sexual activity discussions are necessary for HPV vaccination - framing HPV vaccine as cancer prevention rather than an STI vaccine improves acceptance 2
- Do not forget the MenACWY booster at age 16 - this is a separate requirement from the initial dose 2, 3