Adolescent Immunizations
Page last updated 5/1/2026.
The County of San Diego is committed to ensuring residents continue to have access to safe and effective vaccines that are based on credible, transparent, and science-based evidence. In alignment with the West Coast Health Alliance and other leading medical, health, and patient advocacy groups, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
Adolescent Immunization Action Week (AIAW) highlights the importance of vaccines for preteens and teens. As a parent/guardian, healthcare provider, school, or other community partner, make sure preteens and teens get the vaccines they need to stay healthy.
On this page, information and ready-to-use resources to support AIAW this April 6-10, 2026 and beyond.
Make sure your preteen/teen gets the recommended vaccines at the recommended times to protect their health for years to come.
- Print the Adolescent
Immunization Schedule to track which vaccines are needed.
- Vaccines for All Ages and Stages of Life Children and Adolescents (7-16 Years) and School-Aged Children (County of San Diego)
- What You Need to Know About Vaccines (County of San Diego)
- What Shots Does My Preteen or Teen Need? (California Department of Public Health)
- Children attending public
or private childcare/preschool facilities and schools in
California are required to have certain vaccines.
- Immunization Requirements for Childcare/Preschool and TK/K-12 Schools (County of San Diego
- Shots for School (California Department of Public Health)
- Getting Your Vaccines (County of San Diego)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule help babies, children, and teens stay ahead of serious, preventable diseases.
-
Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common virus that can
lead to several cancers in men and women.
- Two (2) doses of the HPV vaccine, given 6-12 months apart, is recommended for kids 9-12 years.
-
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap): Protect kids from
serious diseases.
- One (1) dose is recommended for kids at age 11-12.
- Also required for 7th grade entry in California.
-
Meningococcal disease (MenACWY): MenACWY protects against
four (4) types of the bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis.
- One (1) dose is recommended for preteens age 11-12 and again at age 16.
- Flu: Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year.
- COVID-19: The COVID vaccine can help protect against serious illness in preteens and teens with certain risk factors. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider to learn more.
Suggested Messaging - Adolescent Immunization Action Week
We know you want to do everything possible to keep your child healthy and safe. Adolescent Immunization Action Week (AIAW) highlights the critical role vaccinations play in protecting preteens and teens from serious diseases, like whooping cough, meningitis, and cancers caused by HPV. Visit sdiz.org for more information.
Sabemos que usted desea hacer todo lo posible para mantener a su hijo sano y seguro. La Semana de Acción para la Inmunización de Adolescentes destaca el papel fundamental que desempeñan las vacunas en la protección de los preadolescentes y adolescentes contra enfermedades graves, tales como la tos ferina, la meningitis y los cánceres causados por el VPH. Visite sdiz.org para obtener más información.
Suggested Messaging - HPV Vaccine
As your kids grow up, you can't prevent their pimples, but you can prevent 6 types of cancer with the HPV vaccine, recommended for all preteens and teens starting at age 9. Visit go.cdph.ca.gov/preteen-vaccine for more information.
A medida que sus hijoes crecen, usted no puede evitar sus granos, pero sí puede prevenir 6 tipos de cáncer con la vacuna contra el VPH, recomendada para todos los preadolescentes y adolescentes a partir de los 9 años. Visite go.cdph.ca.gov/preteen-vaccine para obtener más información.
Suggested Messaging - Adolescent Check-Ups
Vaccines keep your kids healthy and from missing school! Getting your preteen and teens vaccinated at their summer check-up can protect them from diseases like whooping cough and HPV. Talk to your child’s doctor to learn which vaccines they need. Visit sdiz.org for more information.
¡Las vacunas mantienen a sus hijos sanos y evitan que falten a la escuela! Vacunar a sus preadolescentes y adolescentes durante su revisión médica de verano puede protegerlos contra enfermedades como la tos ferina y el VPH. Hable con el médico de su hijo para saber qué vacunas necesita. Visite sdiz.org para obtener más información.
Suggested Messaging - Tdap Vaccination
On-time vaccination is critical to protecting and preventing preteens and teens from getting sick. At 7th grade, students must show proof of Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). Visit shotsforschool.org to learn more.
La vacunación oportuna es fundamental para proteger a los preadolescentes y adolescentes, y para prevenir que se enfermen. Al cursar el 7.º grado, los estudiantes deben presentar un comprobante de la vacuna Tdap, la cual protege contra el tétanos, la difteria y la tos ferina (pertussis). Visite shotsforschool.org para obtener más información.
Suggested Messaging - MenACWY Vaccination
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. The meningitis vaccine is your child's best protection. Visit sdiz.org for more information.
La meningitis bacteriana es una infección grave que afecta el cerebro y la médula espinal. La vacuna contra la meningitis es la mejor protección para su hijo. Visite sdiz.org para obtener más información.
Contact the San Diego Immunization Unit via e-mail or call at (866) 358-2966 for more information or to request materials.
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