Section Two

Playing it Safe

Immunizations

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 healthcare provider and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/vaccines. Take an online quiz, “What Vaccines do You need?” at www.cdc.gov/VaccineQuiz.htm.

Vaccine Recommendation
Influenza (Flu) Yearly seasonal flu vaccine. Follow your health care provider's advice for other types of flu vaccines, if any.
Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, acellular, pertussis) Td (Tetanus/Diphtheria) Age 11 to 12 years or at age 13 through 18 years, if not previously vaccinated. After that, a Td booster should be given every 10 years.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Age 11-12 years for girls, but can be given from age 9 through 26 years. Three doses can prevent the most common type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Males age 9 through 26 years may be advised to get 3 doses of this vaccine.
Meningococcal (MCV4) Age 11 to 12 years or at age 13 through 18 years, if not previously vaccinated. May be required for unvaccinated college freshmen who live in dorms.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Two doses by age 18 years. Your school may require proof of immunity or vaccination.
Hepatitis B A 3-dose series should be given to children, teenagers, and high-risk adults who have not had 3 doses of the 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.

Also, before you travel to other countries, find out if you need certain vaccines. Do this several months before you plan on traveling to allow enough time to get required vaccines. Get information from the CDC Travelers’ Information Line at 877.394.8747 or at the www.cdc.gov/travel Web site. Discuss your needs with your health care provider.