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All Teens Need Vaccines to Protect Against Whooping Cough, Meningitis and Some Cancers

Tdap Vaccine

  • The Tdap vaccine is required for all seventh graders in South Carolina. This vaccine protects against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). All preteens should get Tdap at age 11 or 12. If your older teen has not had a Tdap booster, ask their health care provider about getting the shot now.

HPV Vaccine

  • The HPV vaccine is recommended for all teens and prevents cancers caused by HPV. This vaccine provides the best protection against cancer when it is given at age 11 or 12 years. The vaccine is recommended to be given to all boys and girls at age 11 or 12 years, but it can be administered as early as age 9. If teens start the vaccine series before age 15, they only need two shots, given 6-12 months apart. If they start the vaccine at age 15 or later, they will need three shots. Older teens and young adults who haven't started the HPV vaccine should ask their health care provider or health department about getting vaccinated now.

Meningitis Vaccines

There are 3 types of vaccines that prevent meningitis.

  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, or MCV4, protects against 4 types of the germs that cause meningitis. All preteens should get one MCV4 shot when they are 11 or 12 years old. They should get a booster shot at age 16.
  • Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, or Men B, protects against a different type of the germ that causes meningitis. Teens and young adults ages 16 to 23 years may also be given the Men B shots. Men B vaccination is a series of shots given over several months. The best age for teens to get the vaccine is ages 16 to 18.
  • Pentavalent meningoccocal, of MenABCWY is available for people 10 years or older who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit.

Flu Vaccine

  • The flu vaccine is the best protection against illness caused by the flu. All kids and teens should get the flu vaccine every year. It is very important for kids and teens with chronic health conditions (like asthma or diabetes) to get the flu vaccine every year. 

Where Can My Teen Get Vaccines?

A good time to get vaccines is at a yearly checkup or physical with your teen's health care provider, but they can be given at any visit as long as your teen isn't sick. Ask your teen's health care provider about which vaccines he or she needs at your next visit!

DPH health departments also provide teen vaccines. Low-cost vaccines are available for eligible children and adults. Call 1-855-472-3432 for an appointment.

In South Carolina, anyone age 18 and older can get vaccines at a local pharmacy without a prescription. Vaccine costs at the pharmacy depend on your insurance coverage.

Learn More about Preteen/Teen Vaccines

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Health
Vaccinations