Which vaccines are indicated for a healthy 17‑year‑old, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), HPV (human papillomavirus), MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate), MenB (meningococcal B), influenza, COVID‑19 booster, MMR (measles‑mumps‑rubella), varicella, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A as needed?

Vaccines Recommended for a 17-Year-Old

A healthy 17-year-old should receive Tdap (if not previously given), MenACWY booster (if first dose was before age 16), HPV vaccine series (if not completed), annual influenza vaccine, and COVID-19 primary series plus booster if not up to date. 1

Core Adolescent Vaccines

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

• One dose of Tdap is required if not previously received at age 11-12 years 1, 2
• This replaces the older Td booster and provides critical pertussis protection during adolescence 1, 3
• Coverage with Tdap reached 90.1% nationally by 2020, indicating this is a well-established standard 2

MenACWY (Meningococcal Conjugate)

• A booster dose at age 16 years is recommended if the first dose was given before age 16 1, 2
• If the first dose was given at or after age 16, no booster is needed 1
• For a 17-year-old, verify timing of the first dose to determine if a booster is due 1
• This booster addresses waning immunity, as disease incidence increases in late adolescence 1

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

• The HPV vaccine series should be completed if not already done 1, 2
• For adolescents who start the series at age 15 or older, a 3-dose schedule is required (0,1-2, and 6 months) 1
• HPV vaccination coverage remains suboptimal at 58.6% for series completion as of 2020, representing a critical gap 2
• This vaccine prevents multiple cancers and is recommended for both males and females 1, 3

Influenza Vaccine

• Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all adolescents 1, 2
• This should be administered every fall/winter season 3
• Coverage was only 46.8% in the 2015-2016 season among 13-17 year olds, indicating significant room for improvement 1

COVID-19 Vaccine

• Primary series and booster doses should be administered according to current ACIP recommendations 1
• Specific dosing depends on which vaccine product is used and the adolescent's immunocompromise status 1

Catch-Up Vaccines (If Childhood Series Incomplete)

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Two doses are required; verify completion and administer any missing doses 1, 4, 2
• The Healthy People 2010 objective of 90% coverage was met for MMR, but individual verification remains essential 4

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Two doses are required for those without disease history; complete the series if needed 1, 4, 2
• The 90% coverage objective was met nationally, but individual assessment is necessary 4

Hepatitis B

• Three-dose series should be completed if not done in childhood 1, 4, 2
• This met the 90% coverage target nationally but requires individual verification 4

Hepatitis A

• Two-dose series should be completed if not previously given 1, 2
• Coverage increased in 2020, reflecting growing recognition of this vaccine's importance 2

Special Consideration: MenB (Meningococcal B)

• Shared clinical decision-making is recommended for MenB vaccination in adolescents aged 16-23 years 2
• This is not a routine recommendation but should be discussed, particularly for adolescents at increased risk (college students, those living in dormitories) 1, 2
• If given, a 2-dose series is required with specific intervals depending on the product 1

Critical Implementation Points

Simultaneous Administration

• All indicated vaccines can and should be given during the same visit 1, 5, 6
• This increases completion rates and provides timely protection 5, 6
• Each vaccine should be administered at separate anatomic sites using different syringes 5, 6

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not delay HPV vaccination - this remains the most under-utilized adolescent vaccine despite strong evidence for cancer prevention 1, 2
• Do not forget the MenACWY booster at age 16 - waning immunity makes this dose critical 1
• Do not assume childhood vaccines are complete - verify MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B status 4, 2
• Do not miss the annual influenza vaccine - this requires administration every year, not just once 1, 2

Documentation

• Verify immunization records from all previous providers 1
• Document all vaccines administered in the permanent medical record 5, 6
• Provide the adolescent/parent with an updated immunization record 5, 6

Contraindications

• Defer vaccination if moderate to severe acute illness is present 5, 6
• Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) are contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals 7, 6
• Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components are contraindications 5, 6