Immunizations: 11- to 16-Year Visits

November 22, 2009

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Immunizations: 11- to 16-Year Visits

by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Since immunizations are such an important part of well-child visits, you may find it helpful to learn what vaccines to expect at each checkup. The timing of immunization doses has been very carefully worked out after many years of studying vaccine safety and effectiveness. In part, the timing reflects the youngest age children can be protected. If you see that your child is immunized according to official recommendations, you can ensure that she benefits as soon as possible.

Recommended between ages 11 to 16 years:

Td vaccine. This vaccine prevents tetanus and diphtheria and is the important booster dose following the primary series of DTaP earlier in life.

Recommended between ages 11 to 12 years:
Your child should receive following three vaccines at age 11 or 12 if she hasn't already completed her series.

Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. This vaccine prevents chickenpox and its complications. It is indicated at this age if your child has not already received varicella vaccine because adolescents and adults are at particularly high risk for developing serious complications from chickenpox.

Hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine prevents a serious liver infection caused by hepatitis B.

MMR vaccine. This vaccine prevents measles, mumps, and rubella (also known as German measles). A dose of this vaccine is indicated if your child didn't already receive her second dose of MMR at age four to six years (the first dose is due at 12 to 15 months).

Risks of not immunizing on time
Each of these diseases is capable of causing permanent damage or death. If your child were to become infected, the results could be devastating.

Benefits of these vaccines
These vaccines are safe and highly effective. Most children respond well to these vaccines and are fully protected. Sometimes, however, the vaccines don't "take," but even in these cases, the child may be partially protected and get only mild disease.

Risks of immunizing
Some of these vaccines may cause mild temporary symptoms such as fever, soreness at the injection site, rash, or fussiness. Only in rare cases do these vaccines cause serious reactions.

Summary
Having your child immunized on time is one of the most important things you can do to ensure she stays healthy. Her chances of getting these diseases and being permanently harmed are MUCH greater than her being harmed by the vaccines.

More information
For more information about these vaccines, including who should and should not receive them, see our articles on Vaccine Information Statements, and other reliable immunization resources.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Immunizations: The Shot Visit

Created March 28, 2001
Reviewed March 30, 2001

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