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This chart shows vaccine guidelines for persons ages 11 to 26, provided recommended childhood vaccines have already been received. Guidelines may change. For more information and updates on vaccines, contact your doctor or health care provider and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Video

After talking with parents across the country, CDC put together this short video to help answer the tough questions that real moms had about childhood immunizations. Understanding the importance of vaccines is crucial for you to protect your children’s health.

Vaccines for Traveling Abroad

Before you travel to other countries, find out if you need certain vaccines. Do this several months before you plan to travel to allow enough time to get required vaccines. Get information from the CDC Travelers’ Information Line. Call 800.CDC.INFO (232.4636) or use the www.cdc.gov/travel Web site. Discuss your needs with your doctor.

Vaccine

Recommendation

Hepatitis B

Influenza (Flu)

Measles, Mumps,

Rubella (MMR)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis)

Td (Tetanus/Diphtheria)

Meningococcal (MCV4)

Yearly seasonal flu vaccine

Age 11-12 years or at age 13 through 18 years, if not previously vaccinated. After that, a Td booster should be given every 10 years.

Age 11-12 years, but can be given from age 9 through age 26 years. Three dose can prevent the most common type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer in women and genital warts in women and men.

Age 11-12 years and at age 16 years. May be required for unvaccinated college freshmen who live in dorms.

Two doses by age 18 years. Your school may require proof of immunity or vaccination.

A 3-dose series should be given to children, teenagers, and high risk adults who have not yet had 3 doses of this vaccine.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Two doses for persons who have not had chicken pox or who have not yet had 2 doses of this vaccine.

Adult Immunizations (5)

Td (Tetanus Diphtheria) (5)

Every 10 years

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Yearly

Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine

Once at age 60+

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Once at 65 years or as advised

  1. 1.For updates, contact CDC Immunization Program at 800.CDC.INFO (232.4636) or www.cdc.gov/ vaccines. Ask your child’s doctor what vaccines, health screenings, and checkups your child needs.

  2. 2.Catch-up (make-up) vaccines should be given to children and teenagers who have not already had them.

  3. 3.PCV vaccine protects against meningitis and some pneumonias. One dose is needed for all healthy children aged 24-59 months who are not completely vaccinated for their age. Some high-risk children ages 2 years and older may also need a vaccine called PPV.

  4. 4.The MCV vaccine and booster vaccines are also advised for persons ages 2-55 years at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Follow your doctor’s advice.

  5. 5.Adults also need 1 dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria/ Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine if they have not had one in the past. Ask your doctor if you also need 2 doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine; 1-2 doses of MMR vaccine; and if you need any other vaccines, such as Hepatitis A and/or B.