Adolescent Immunizations


Adolescents need vaccines to prevent disease. Vaccines such as Tdap are required for entry into the sixth grade. The following vaccines are also recommended for adolescents who have not already had them or completed the series:

  • meningococcal (meningitis) – anyone age 11 and over
  • hepatitis A
  • hepatitis B
  • measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • human papillomavirus (HPV) – 9- to 26-year-olds
  • varicella (chickenpox)
  • influenza (flu) – yearly

Check with your health care provider to make sure that your child is up to date on all required and recommended vaccines. If your child does not have a health care provider, please contact one of the Human Services locations. There is no charge for state-required and some recommended vaccines for children under 19 years of age at Wake County Human Services locations.

Teens and Tweens Still Need Vaccines
Teens and Tweens Still Need Vaccines (Español)

Listen to the Voices of Meningitis

Tdap Vaccine Required for Rising Sixth-Graders
Tdap vaccine protects against whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus and diphtheria. Protection from tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough vaccine given earlier in childhood wears off over time, so a booster is needed to stay fully protected. North Carolina law now requires a Tdap booster for all children entering the sixth grade on or after August 1, 2008.

If it has been more than five years since your rising sixth-grader got a tetanus shot, they will need to get the Tdap booster. If it has been less than five years since your rising sixth-grader got a tetanus shot, they are not required by law to have a booster to enter sixth grade.

Parents should:

  • Talk to your child's doctor to find out if your child needs a Tdap booster
  • Make sure your child gets a Tdap booster before school starts
  • Get a copy of your child's shot record to take to school
  • Make sure your child is up to date on other recommended vaccines and their yearly checkup.

If your child does not have a health care provider, please contact one of the Human Services locations and ask for a Tdap vaccine. There is no charge for Tdap vaccine for children under 19 years of age at Wake County Human Services locations.

Information for parents
Tdap School Handout
Tdap School Handout (Español)

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