Vaccines for NC Preteens and Teens

Vaccines recommended for ages 7 to 18 help prevent disease and associated health problems like:

  • Muscle paralysis
  • Brain damage
  • Infertility
  • Blindness
  • Cancer

Certain vaccines are required for school and college.

Children 18 or younger can get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program.

Ensure your teen is up to date and protected

Need an immunization appointment? Contact your health care provider. Don't have a provider? Check with your local health department.

VaccineProtects againstRecommended ageMore information
Meningococcal VaccineMeningococcal diseaseAge 11 or 12 for first dose
Tdap VaccineTetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)Age 11 or 12It's a slightly different version of a vaccine your child received as a baby (DTaP).
HPV VaccineHuman papillomavirus

Two doses between ages 9-12

*Three doses if first dose isn't given until age 15

Protects both males and females against some virus strains. They cause over 90% of cervical, penile, anal, mouth and throat cancers, and genital warts. 

CDC: Reasons to Get the HPV Vaccine

Influenza (flu)Influenza (flu)Every year, starting at age 6 monthsThe AAP and CDC recommend the flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, including teens.
COVID-19COVID-19At least 1 dose of the current COVID-19 vaccineThe COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect teens from long-term problems if they get sick with COVID-19.

Find flu and COVID-19 vaccines near you

CDC Recommended Immunization Schedule for Ages 7-18

Parent Resource Guide: Vaccines for Your Children (CDC)

 

Need to catch up on other vaccines?

Your child may have missed recommended vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a good time to catch up on other recommended immunizations:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Polio
  • Pneumococcal vaccines
  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
  • Chickenpox (varicella)

 

Immunization requirements for school entry

Your child's immunization records are checked when they enter seventh grade and again for college:

There are allowable exemptions to NC’s Immunization Law.

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This page was last modified on 03/04/2025