Does Your Teenager Need Shots?

It’s important that young children get their shots. But teens need to get vaccines, too!

Before they start 7th grade, all students need to have the shots listed in the chart below. Check the chart to see which shots your teenager needs. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor. You also can call Molina Healthcare at 1-888-483-0760.

Sometimes it can be hard to fi nd your son or daughter’s immunization records. Here are some ways you can check to see what shots they have:

• Try calling your local or state health department. Ask to speak to someone in the immunization program.
• Check with your child’s school. But remember that sometimes schools only keep records for 1 or 2 years after a student graduates.
• Look for family records, such as a baby book.
• Ask your doctor or a public health clinic. Keep in mind that sometimes only the doctor or nurse who gave the vaccine will keep a record of it.

VACCINE	DOSE	TIMING
Hepatitis B (Hep B)	3 doses	1st dose 2nd dose 1 month after 1st dose 3rd dose 4-6 months after 2nd dose
Tetanus, Diphtheria (TD)	1 dose	Booster at age 11 or 12 Next dose every 10 years after that
Varicella (Chicken Pox)	2 doses	1st dose 2nd dose 1 month after 1st dose for teens age 13 and older. The 2nd dose is still needed even if it has been a few years since the 1st dose.