The Basics
Doctors recommend that 11 and 12 year olds get important shots (vaccines). All pre–teens 11 and 12 years old need the following shots:
- Tdap booster shot. This shot protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
- MCV4 shot. This shot protects pre–teens against meningitis. Meningitis is a very serious infection of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord.
As kids grow older, some of the childhood vaccines begin to wear off. That's why it's important to get another Tdap "booster" shot. Also, pre–teens are at greater risk for more diseases as they get older, like meningitis or HPV.
Tdap and MCV4 are each given as a single shot during your child's 11 or 12 year old checkup.
It’s important for all children and pre-teens to get shots.
Shots prevent serious diseases. For example, meningitis can cause the loss of an arm or leg or even death. Both meningitis and whooping cough can spread easily from person to person.
Each child who isn’t vaccinated gives these germs a chance to spread. If every child gets their shots, we can put an end to diseases like whooping cough.
For girls age 11 and 12:
Doctors recommend that 11 and 12 year old girls get the HPV shot. HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is spread through sexual activity.
HPV is the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease) in the United States. Pre–teen girls have an 80% chance of getting HPV by the time they are 50 years old. Some types of HPV cause cervical cancer in women.
The shot protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Girls are given 3 HPV shots over a 6–month period.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine.
Are there any side effects from these shots?
Side effects from shots are usually mild and last only a short time. Many children have no side effects at all.
Vaccines are tested for years before they are put in use. The risk of harm from shots is very small.
Take Action!
Make sure your pre–teen gets important shots.
Schedule a checkup for your pre–teen.
The Tdap, MCV4, and HPV vaccines are given during your child's 11 or 12 year old checkup. If your child did not get these shots at age 11 or 12, make an appointment to get them now.
Many states require the Tdap and MCV4 shots for school.
What about cost?
You can still get important shots for your pre-teen, even if you don't have insurance.
Talk to your daughter about the HPV vaccine.
Some parents feel uncomfortable talking to their children about STDs. If your daughter is young, you may want to tell her that the HPV shot prevents cancer.
If you are comfortable talking about sex, have an open conversation about HPV. Start by asking your daughter what she already knows about HPV or the HPV vaccine.
To learn more:
Tell your doctor about bad reactions.
Before your child gets a shot, tell your doctor if you, your child, or a sibling has ever had a bad reaction to a vaccine.