CHILD Profile
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Immunization Program |
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Immunization Program CHILD Profile |
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Teens need immunizations to stay healthy. Some diseases like chickenpox are more dangerous for teens and adults than they are for young children. Teens can also spread diseases to friends and family members that aren’t fully protected.
All of the major medical associations agree that teens need immunizations. Some of the immunizations recommended for teens are also required to attend school in Washington.
All teens need the following immunizations if they haven’t already received them.
| Vaccine | Number of Doses | Required for School 2008-09 Required Charts (PDF 61kb) |
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| Hepatitis B | 3 | X1 |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | 3 | |
| Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) | 2 | X1 |
| Meningococcal | 1 | |
| Polio | 4 | X2 |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis (Tdap)/Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) | 1 | X3 |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | 2 | X4 |
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1 Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for
students attending kindergarten through Grade 11. The vaccine will
be required for students in kindergarten through Grade 12 for the
2009-10 school year. 2 Only 3 doses of polio vaccine are required if the 3rd dose is given on or after age 4 years. The polio vaccine series can be given until age 18 years. 3 Tdap vaccine should replace one Td booster. If teens get Tdap at age 11 years, they will not need their next Td booster until age 21 years. One dose of Tdap is required for students attending Grades 6 or 7, if it has been 5 years since they received a vaccine containing tetanus (DTaP, DT, or Td) and the student is aged 11 years. 4 Two doses of varicella vaccine are required for students attending kindergarten and Grades 1 and 6. One does is required for students attending Grades 1, 2, and 6 in the 2008-09 school year. Varicella vaccine is recommended for teens that haven’t had chickenpox or haven't been previously vaccinated. Teens need two doses of varicella vaccine to be fully protected. |
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Teens with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes and teens that have weakened immune systems may need additional immunizations. Check with your teens’ health care provider to find out if they need the following immunizations:
A health check-up is recommended for all teens aged 11-12 years. However, many of the immunizations recommended for teens can be given before age 11 years. Teens can also get immunizations when they see their health care provider for sports physicals, injuries, and mild illnesses.
Teens should go to their regular doctor, nurse, or clinic for immunizations. They may also be able to get immunizations at their local health department or pharmacy. Parents can call the WithinReach Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 for help finding free or low-cost immunizations for their teen. Many health insurance companies pay for recommended immunizations. Washington teens younger than age 19 years can receive low cost or free immunizations through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.
For more information about the VFC Program or to locate a VFC provider, call the Washington State Immunization Program CHILD Profile at 866-397-0337 or 360-236-3595.
Your teen’s doctor, nurse, or clinic should have an immunization record for your child. Health care providers who use Washington State’s CHILD Profile Immunization Registry can track each patient’s immunizations and history of chickenpox disease. Providers can also print the necessary school and child care forms directly from the Immunization Registry. Parents can also check to see if their child has immunization records in the Immunization Registry by calling the CHILD Profile Help Desk at 1-800-325-5599.
Teen health check-ups may include a wide variety of health education, screening, and physical exams. Specific health services vary depending on each teen's needs. Topics may include:
Call your doctor, nurse, or local health department for more information about immunizations and other preventive health services.
Last Update: 06/24/2008 02:46 PM