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Bureau of Immunization: Immunizations Across the Lifespan
A.G. Holley State Hospital Epidemiology STD Tuberculosis & Refugee Health

Immunizations Across the Lifespan

Adolescents & Teens

Vaccines are not just for babies anymore. Adolescents, 9 through 12 years of age, and teens have different needs for immunizations. Teens are more social and take more risks, so they are likely to catch certain diseases. Also, the protection from the immunizations they received as children can begin to fade so an additional dose or booster is needed. By giving the immunizations in the adolescent years, teens are protected when they are most at risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccines for your adolescent and teen.

The following vaccines are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, starting at 11 or 12 years of age and some are required for school attendance in Florida:

All adolescents

  • Human papillomavirus
  • Meningococcal conjugate
  • Seasonal influenza
  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (one dose in place of one scheduled tetanus-diphtheria booster)
  • Tetanus-diphtheria (every 10 years)

If not already received:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles-mumps-rubella
  • Polio
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Certain high-risk adolescents

  • Hepatitis A
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide

College bound

Public Universities in Florida, in compliance with 1006.69, Florida Statute and 6C-6.001(5), Florida Administrative Code require all new students show proof of the following immunizations prior to attending:

  • 2 Measles* (preferably 2 measles-mumps-rubella)
  • 1 Rubella*
  • Hepatitis B series
  • 1 Meningococcal conjugate

*Due to a large mumps outbreak in 2006, affecting many college-age students that spread to at least 11 states, some universities now require documentation of receipt of two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or acceptable evidence of immunity. This supersedes the previous requirement of two measles and one rubella shot.

Resources:

Publications:

Links:

In addition to the links below, the websites listed in the Infants & Toddler section of this website also have good information for teens and their parents.