Screenings & Immunizations
for Teens & Young Adults
Immunizations are often given as shots. Screenings are tests given to detect a health condition. Together, they can help your child stay protected from disease and maintain wellness.
Keep good records
Ask your doctor for a screening and immunization record. This keeps track of your child's tests and shots. Keep this record in a safe place. Child care providers and schools will ask for it. Bring the record to every doctor visit.
Immunization tips
Most shots are given by the time your child is 2 years old. But some are given into the teen years. Consider these tips to help ensure your child gets proper immunizations:
- Ask your doctor what shots your child needs and what age your child should get them.
- Follow your doctor's schedule. When your child is getting one shot, make an appointment for the next.
- Don't miss your child's doctor visit. If you have to cancel, set up another one.
- Your child may run a fever or have swelling in the shot location after getting a shot. Check with your doctor about giving your child over-the-counter pain medication. And if you do, follow the directions carefully.
- Ask your doctor about giving aspirin to children younger than age 19. It's been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.
Recommended immunizations*
| Age | Immunization | Who, when and how often |
| 13-18 years | Hepatitis B | - Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
|
| 13-18 years | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis | - Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
|
| 13-18 years | Pneumococcal | - High-risk groups only
- Ask your doctor if your child is at a high risk
|
| 13-18 years | Inactivated Poliovirus | - Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
|
| 13-18 years | Influenza | - May be administered annually; talk to your doctor for more information
- Recommended for high-risk teens and young adults
|
| 13-18 years | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | - Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
|
| 13-18 years | Varicella | - Catch-up immunizations if not given to children during their infant and toddler years
|
| 13-18 years | Hepatitis A | - High-risk groups only
- Ask your doctor if your child is at a high risk
|
| 13-18 years | Meningococcal | - High-risk groups only
- Ask your doctor if your child is at a high risk
|
| 13-18 years | Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
(females only) | - Catch-up immunization only for girls over 12 years old
- Consider this option to prevent HPV, an STD that may lead to cervical cancer
- 3 doses required, consult with your doctor for details
|
Recommended screenings*
| Age | Screening test | Frequency |
| 13-18 years | Eye screening | |
| 13-18 years | Dental | |
Download a complete list of recommended Screenings and Immunizations Guidelines (PDF format) for your family.
