Now is a great time to schedule an appointment for your teenager catch up on recommended vaccines you may have overlooked during the pandemic. As children grow, they are exposed to different serious illnesses and they lose the protection of their childhood immunizations.
The three vaccines recommended for 11 and 12 year olds are: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis); HPV (human papiloma virus); and the meningococcal vaccine. Teens 12 years and older can also get a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for thier age group. Teens can get all of the vaccines they need in the same day.
It’s important to get kids vaccinated before returning to school, sports or other fall activities, to protect themselves and people around them who can’t get vaccinated.
These vaccines have been studied and shown to be safe and effective for preventing serious illnesses. They can cause some mild side effects, such as arm pain at the injection site. If you have questions or worries about the vaccines recommended for your child, contact your health care provider.
You can also visit the MDH website at health.state.mn.us/vaxontrack for more information about:
- Which vaccines your child has received and which they still need.
- Where to get vaccinated. If your teen doesn’t have health insurance or a primary healthcare provider, find a clinic that offers free or low cost vaccines.
For questions, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414.
Disclaimer: Information about COVID-19 variants and vaccines is updated frequently. For the latest information, we recommend visiting the MDH and CDC websites. Thank you.
Source: mn.gov
