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Adolescent Vaccines

Adolescent Vaccines

MT TeenVax Campaign Logo

Inforgraphic about immunization vaccination coverage among adolescents in the United States

(Courtesy of Unity)

Snapshot of the vaccines adolescents need:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)  
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Influenza, each year 

2018 MT TeenVax Challenge: Closed!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2018 MT TeenVax Challenge. Winners will be contacted and announced in November 2018. Check back to this page for more information about the 2018 Challenge in the coming weeks!

The 2018 MT TeenVax Challenge is part of a multi-year campaign that focuses on increasing awareness about the importance of teen vaccines. The Challenge is in partnership with the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Montana Academy of Family Physicians and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Care Van program.

This Challenge is an opportunity for parents/guardians of 11-17 year olds to enter their teen's name into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card if they have received at least 1 Tdap, 1 MCV4, and 1 HPV vaccine (at any time).  One gift card per county will be given away.

If you teen has not received these vaccines, consider catching them up on these teen vaccines.

 

Information about adolescent vaccines:

For Parents/Guardians

Click to view each section or scroll:

Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children 7-18 Years Old

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccine Safety

Information about Each Recommended Adolescent Vaccine

Paying for Vaccines

Other Resources
 

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccines protect your child from serious and deadly diseases. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body's natural defenses to help it safely develop immunity to the disease. As children get older, they require additional doses of some vaccines for best protection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions and check to make sure your child is up-to-date on all their vaccinations. More information about reasons to vaccinate. 

Vaccine Safety

Vaccines are very safe and effective in preventing serious diseases. Vaccines, like any other medicine, can have side effects. Some people report having mild side effects. Common side effects can include: sore arm, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, or headache. More information about vaccine safety.

Information about Each Vaccine

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine protects your child against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whopping cough). Tetanus is caused by a bacteria found in soil, dust and manure. Tetanus affects the neck and belly. This can lead to "locking" of the jaw so a person cannot open their mouth, swallow or breathe. Diphtheria is a very contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system. The bacteria produce a toxin that can cause a sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Pertussis is caused by a bacteria spread through direct contact when an infected person coughs or sneezes. After 1-2 weeks, pertussis can cause spells of violent coughing or choking, making it hard to breathe, eat or drink. This vaccine is a one time dose. Everyone should receive a dose of Td every 10 years. Learn more about the Tdap vaccine.

Additional Resources:

Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) Vaccine
The Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) vaccine protects your child from meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). This vaccine is a one time series of two doses. Learn more about the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

Additional Resources:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects your child from human papillomavirus or HPV. HPV infection is very common. HPV infections can cause health problems, including cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in girls and penile cancer in boys. HPV infections can also cause anal cancer, throat cancer and genital warts in both boys and girls. This vaccine is a one time series of either two or three doses, depending on the age at which the series is started. Those who start the series before their 15th birthday need only two doses separated by 6 to 12 months. Learn more about the HPV vaccine.

Additional Resources:

Influenza Vaccine
The influenza or "flu" vaccine protects your child against influenza viruses. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of influenza infection can result in hospitalization or death. This vaccine is administered annually. Learn more about influenza vaccine.

Additional Resources:

Paying for Vaccines

All children in Montana are eligible to receive low or no cost vaccines through their health plan or the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). Learn more about the VFC Program.

Other Resources

For Teens

Click to view each section or scroll:

Why Do I Need Vaccines?

What Vaccines Do I Need?

Tips For After Getting Shots

More Information about Teen Vaccines
 

Why Do I Need Vaccines?

Vaccines protect you from serious and life-threatening diseases. As you get older, some of the vaccinations you got as a child begin to wear off, so you need a booster vaccine to keep you protected. Vaccines not only protect you, but also your friends and family! Talk to your parents and doctor to make sure your immunization record is up-to-date.
 

What Vaccines Do I Need?

  • Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine to protect against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is often severe and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect against HPV infection and cancers caused by HPV. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in girls and penile cancer in boys. HPV can also cause anal cancer, throat cancer and genital warts in both boys and girls.
  • Influenza "flu" vaccine each year to protect against seasonal influenza.

Tips for After Getting Shots:

  1. Stay seated for 15 minutes.
  2. Put a cool, wet cloth on your arm where the shot was given. Your arm may feel a little sore/tender, red, or swollen which is normal.
  3. If pain in your arm persists, take a non-aspirin pain reliever.

More Information about Teen Vaccines:

For Providers

Click to view each section or scroll:

Healthcare Provider Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger

Ways to Ensure Your Patients are Fully Vaccinated

Adolescent Vaccines

Provider Resources

Provider Education

Screening Checklists

Strategies to Improve Adolescent Vaccination Rates
 

Ways to ensure your patients are fully vaccinated

  • Use every opportunity to vaccinate your adolescent patients. Check vaccination status when they come in for sick visits and sports physicals.

  • Patient reminder and recall systems such as automated postcards, phone calls, and text messages are effective tools for increasing office visits.

  • Educate parents about the diseases that can be prevented by adolescent vaccines. Parents may know very little about pertussis, meningococcal disease, or HPV.

  • Implement standing order policies so that patients can receive vaccines without a physician examination.

Adolescent Vaccines

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. One dose of Tdap is routinely given at age 11 or 12.  People who did not get Tdap at that age should get it as soon as possible. Another vaccine, called Td, protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. A Td booster should be given every 10 years. Use the resources below for more information about vaccinating adolescents in your practices.

Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)
All 11-12 year olds should be vaccinated with a single dose of a quadrivalent (protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y) meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Since protection decreases over time, a booster dose is recommended at age 16 so teens continue to have protection during the years when they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. Use the resources below for more information about vaccinating adolescents in your practice.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Avoid missed opportunities by strongly recommending the HPV vaccine to parents of 11-12 year-olds on the same day and in the same way that you recommend Tdap and meningococcal vaccines. Use the resources below for more information about vaccinating adolescents in your practices.

Influenza
Routine annual influenza vaccination of all persons aged ≥6 months without contraindications is recommended. Use the resources below for more information about vaccinating adolescents in your practices.

Other Provider Resources

Provider Education

Screening Checklists

Strategies to Improve Adolescent Vaccination Rates

Learn about Montana's Immunization Information System (imMTrax) Montana's Immunization Information System Logo

Montana's Immunization Information System (imMTrax) is a confidential, computerized database that stores immunization records for Montanans of all ages. imMTrax combines records from multiple immunization providers to form one shot record.

imMTrax and how it can help your family