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.

- Why are vaccines important for teens?
- What vaccines are recommended for teens?
- What are the vaccination requirements for teens?
- Where can teens go to get their vaccines?
- When should teens get vaccinated?
- How much do vaccines cost?
- How can I get copies of my child's immunization record?
- Learn more about vaccines
- What other preventive health services do adolescents need?
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:
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal (against pneumococcus)
- Meningococcal B (against meningococcal B)
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?
- Families can view the immunization requirement charts on the Information for Families About Immunization Requirements in Schools and Child Care Centers page. This page also includes required forms, information about exemptions, and how to access vaccines at no cost.
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:
- School-based health centers in Washington.
- Washington State districts and local health departments.
- Federally designated rural health clinics.
- Flu Shot Search Tool (Note: Not all providers listed here offer vaccines at no cost, but your health insurance may cover the cost. Be sure to ask about the type of vaccines each provider offers.)
- Call Washington's Help Me Grow line at 1-800-322-2588 for help finding low-cost or no-cost vaccines.
- Talk to your clinic or health insurance company to find out what your insurance covers.
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
- Learn more about diseases and the vaccines that help prevent them.
- Contact your doctor, nurse, clinic, or local health department for more information about vaccines and other preventive health services.
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.