Preadolescentes y adolescentes (7 a 18 años)

This page presents information about immunization for preteens and teens ages 7 to 18. For information about childhood immunization (birth to age 6), see the Children page, and if you have questions about immunization requirements in schools and child care centers, see the Schools and Child Care Centers page.

Grupo de adolescentes sonriendo en una foto selfie

Why are vaccines important for teens?

Teens need vaccines to stay healthy. Some diseases, such as chickenpox, are more dangerous for teens and adults than for young children. In addition, there are two vaccines that also help protect them later against certain cancers, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB).

What vaccines are recommended for teens?

Health care providers recommend that teens get vaccinated so they are protected from serious illness. Some of the vaccines recommended for teens are also required for them to attend school in Washington. Read more about this on the school requirements page. The official list of recommended vaccines is created by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Washington's recommendations:

National recommendations:

All teens should be up to date on the immunizations listed in the table below.

Vaccine Number of doses School Requirement
Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) 5 Yes
Hepatitis A 2 No
Hepatitis B 3 Yes
Human papillomavirus (HPV) 2 or 3, depending on age No
Influenza (flu) 1 (annual) No
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) 2 Yes
Meningococo 2 No (but some colleges require it)
MenB 2 No (but some colleges require it)
Polio (IPV) 4 Yes
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TDaP) 1 Yes
Chickenpox 2 Yes

Teens with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, and those who have a weak immune system may need additional vaccines. Check with your teen's health care provider to see if they need the following vaccines:

Age or other health conditions may change the number of doses or the vaccination schedule. Always check with your health care provider to see which vaccines your child needs.

What are the vaccination requirements for teens?

Where can teens go to get their vaccines?

Teens should see their regular doctor, nurse, school health center, or clinic for vaccinations. They can also get vaccines at their local health department, a local pharmacy, or a vaccination clinic.

Below are the following links to help you find a provider:

When should teens be vaccinated?

Starting at age 4, your child should have a routine checkup every year. When your child is 11 or 12 years old, they will be able to receive several vaccines at that appointment. However, many of the vaccines recommended for teens can be received before age 11, so during every checkup be sure to ask. Teens can also get vaccines when they go to the doctor for their sports evaluation, for an injury, a minor illness, or some other reason. Everyone 6 months of age and older, including teens, should get an annual flu shot.

What is the cost of vaccines?

Teens under the age of 19 in Washington can get vaccines at no cost. You may have to pay a small fee for the office visit or to get the vaccine, but if you can't afford the fee, you can ask for the fee to be waived. Clinics that receive vaccines from the state government are prohibited by law from denying your child a vaccine because they can't afford to pay. In addition, almost all health insurance plans cover preventive health care costs, including any aspect of vaccination, without deductibles or copays.

How can I get copies of my child's immunization record?

You have four options for getting copies of your child's immunization record:

  • Option 1: Enroll in MyIR on MyIRmobile.com to view and print your family's vaccination information, including COVID vaccination. MyIR Mobile users can now access their medical records in Spanish! Log in to your account and change the display language using the menu in the top right corner.
  • Option 2: Visit your local pharmacy, clinic, or school.
  • Option 3: Ask your health care provider for a complete immunization record.
  • Option 4: Request a complete immunization record from the Department of Health.

Learn more about vaccines

What other types of preventive health services do adolescents need?

Health checkups for teens can include a variety of physical and screening exams, as well as health education. Your teen can talk to the health care provider about:

  • Vaccines
  • Diet/Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Injury Prevention
  • Mental health
  • Risky behaviors

Find more resources on child health and safety here.

Would your teen like to learn more on their own? Ask them to visit Washington Teen Health Center to find information on many topics written specifically for teens, such as dating and relationships, access to health care, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, whole body health, and more.