Teens and Young Adults

 
 

Vaccines

Teens and college students are particularly vulnerable to certain diseases by being in large group settings like schools or college dorms. That’s why it’s important to be vaccinated.

 

Teens and Young Adults
(ages 19 - 26)

Below are the recommended vaccinations for teens and young adults. It’s always best to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Vaccine

Recommendation

People at High Risk

Influenza (Flu)

  • Children under 2
  • People ages 65+
  • Pregnant women
  • People who live or work in group settings.
  • People with diabetes, asthma, lung disease, heart disease, HIV, cancer, and other conditions that weaken the immune system.

Annually for children and adults, especially those over 65 or with certain medical conditions.

COVID-19

  • People ages 65+
  • Pregnant women
  • People who live or work in group settings.
  • People with diabetes, asthma, lung disease, heart disease, HIV, cancer, and other conditions that weaken the immune system.

Recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine

  • College students
  • Healthcare workers
  • International travelers

Adults should get at least one dose if they did not get it as a child. 

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine

  • Young adults
  • People with multiple sexual partners.
  • People who engage in risky sexual behavior.

Recommended for adults ages 26 and under to protect against high-risk forms of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause certain cancers.

Meningococcal Vaccine

  • College students living in a dorm
  • People with HIV or other diseases that compromise the immune system.
  • Military members
  • Travelers to certain countries (link to travel section)

This vaccine protects against meningitis. Routine vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 with a booster at 16.