Vaccines for healthy pre-teens and teens

Adolescents ages 9-18 are due for key vaccines. Uninsured youth can get free vaccines from the City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic.

Parents of uninsured adolescents can come to the City of Berkeley immunization clinic to check their child's vaccination status and, if needed, catch up on their missing shots.

Staying up to date on vaccines is important for families at a variety of ages. Adolescence is an important time to check vaccine status as kids age 9 to 18 can get proven protections to help protect against of a variety of diseases.

HPV can lead to cancer. Tetanus can be contracted through open wounds. The bacteria causing meningococcal disease can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord, causing very serious symptoms.

Each of those diseases have vaccines that begin or need boosters during adolescence.

See recommended vaccines for adolescents and ask your doctor to check your kids are up to date. If your child is uninsured, come to the City of Berkeley's immunization clinic to check their status and get the shots they need.

Free vaccines for uninsured and underinsured

Eligible children can get vaccines for free at the City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic:

Visit between April 7-9 for prioritized services for pre-teens and teens during Adolescent Immunization Awareness Week. Staff can check your child's vaccine records, give advice on recommended vaccines, and provide the vaccinations.

Parents of adolescents can also make appointments for other days the clinic is open:

• Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Hours: 9:00 am-3:00 pm (closed 12:00-1:00 pm)

Children under 18 years old are eligible for free vaccines if they:

• Do not have insurance
• Have insurance, but it doesn't cover the cost of vaccines
• Are eligible for Medicaid
• Are American Indian or Alaska Native

Recommended vaccines for adolescents

Between ages 9-18, children are due for several important vaccines:

• Age 9-12: Two doses of Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Age 11-12: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap)
• Age 11-12 and 16: Meningococcal disease (MenACWY)
• Yearly: Flu and COVID-19

Learn more about shots for teens and pre-teens.

Adolescents should also catch up on any childhood vaccines that they might have missed. Check the recommended vaccines for children ages 0-6 years.

Vaccinations aren't only for kids. Throughout adult life, everyone should keep up with their vaccination needs. See recommended vaccines for adults.

Protect your adolescent from preventable disease. Make an appointment with your doctor or get free vaccines at the City clinic.

Links

• City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic
• California Department of Public Health recommended vaccines:
  • Children ages 0-6 years
  • Adolescents ages 7-18 years
  • Adults ages 19+

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