Are you 11-19 years old? If so, YOU need to be vaccinated against some serious diseases! Many people think that shots are only for babies. But, in reality, there are millions of people between the ages of 11-19 who are at risk of getting serious diseases like tetanus, meningitis, chickenpox, infections leading to cervical cancer and others.
Are you at risk? Protecting your health is a lifelong project. Getting immunized is an adult responsibility that teens can start practicing now.
Adolescent Well-Visit Information
What shots do teens need?
Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended schedule for vaccination
School Requirements for Teens
Shots are required by law for children in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, childcare facilities, and Head Start programs in Oregon.
In school year 2012-13, one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acelluar pertussis) vaccine is required for 7th through 11th grades. By school year 2014-2015, two doses of hepatitus A vaccine will be required for all grades. For more information, see the School Law website.
College Immunization
Students need to show that they’ve been vaccinated against measles when enrolling in a college or university in Oregon as a full-time student (undergraduate and graduate). The Oregon college immunization law applies to any full-time student born on or after January 1, 1957.
College Immunization Brochure
Adolescent Immunization Rates
National and State Data: National Immunization Survey—Teen, 2010
Oregon Data: ALERT Immunization Information System
How measured: Percent of Oregon teens 13–17 years of age who have had at least one dose of Td or Tdap vaccine
Rationale: Among the vaccine preventable diseases, pertussis (“whooping cough”) has the highest incidence in Oregon, with an average of 277 cases per year reported during 2000–2011. While vaccination rates are high among children, immunity wanes over time, leaving adolescents and adults susceptible; they, in turn, can transmit the infection to infants too young to be vaccinated, but who are at highest risk of severe disease and complications. In 2005, two pertussis-containing vaccines were approved for use among adolescents. A single dose of Tdap has since been recommended for all persons 11 years of age or older.
| 1+ Dose of Td/Tdap for Oregon 13 to 17 Year Olds |
| Year |
Td/Tdap Rate |
| 2011 |
72% |
| 2010 |
66% |
| 2009 |
58% |
| 2008 |
53% |
| 2007 |
50% |
Rates of vaccination of adolescents with Tdap are rising, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
Additional Resources