Immunizations don’t apply only to babies, older adults, and flu and pneumonia season. Teens need immunizations, too.

Vaccines protect people from certain diseases, and they also help us avoid the spread of infection and protect the health of those in the community who can’t get immunized.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following immunizations for teens:

• Varicella (chickenpox): Any teen age 13 or older who has not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart.
• Hepatitis B: Teens younger than age 19 who didn’t get this shot as a baby should usually be immunized with three doses of the vaccine.
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR): Any teen who has not received the second dose of this vaccine can get it at any age as long as it’s 28 days after the first dose.
• Tetanus-diphtheria booster: Although most children receive this shot by age 7, teens need a booster dose. Teens should get this booster every 10 years, starting at age 11 or 12.
• Meningococcal: College students, especially freshmen living in dorms, should consider getting a single dose of this vaccine.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Gardisil is covered for females ages 11 to 18.

For more information, contact the National Immunization Program at www.cdc.gov/nip or 1-800-232-2522.