At 17 years old, the focus shifts to completing the adolescent immunization series before entering young adulthood. This age represents the final opportunity to receive routine vaccinations under the pediatric schedule, guided by the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Reviewing the vaccination record ensures protection against serious diseases and prepares the individual for future institutional requirements.
Routine Vaccinations for a 17-Year-Old
The most immediate priority at age 17 is typically the booster dose for the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), which protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The initial dose is recommended at ages 11 to 12, but its protection decreases over time. A booster is recommended for all teenagers at age 16 due to the increased risk of meningococcal disease in this age group. If this booster was missed, it should be received at 17.
Another important consideration is the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine, which protects against a different serogroup not covered by MenACWY. The MenB vaccine is recommended for teens, preferably between 16 and 18 years old, following a discussion with their healthcare provider. This vaccine is given as a two-dose series. Starting the series at 17 ensures it can be completed before age 18.
Seventeen is also a target age for ensuring the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series is complete. The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended to begin at 11 or 12 years old. For those starting the series late, at age 15 or older, a three-dose schedule is required. This vaccine protects against cancers and precancers caused by HPV, making series completion essential for full protection. The annual influenza (flu) vaccine remains a routine recommendation for everyone aged six months and older to guard against seasonal illness.
Completing Missed or Delayed Vaccination Series
A thorough review of the vaccination history is necessary to identify any missed or delayed doses from earlier childhood. A vaccine series never needs to be restarted, even if a significant amount of time has passed between doses. Catch-up vaccination involves administering the remaining doses to complete the series as soon as possible, following minimum interval guidelines.
Common series that might be incomplete include Hepatitis B (HepB), Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Varicella, and Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV). The HepB series typically involves three doses, while MMR and Varicella are two-dose series, and IPV is a four-dose series. Catching up at 17 is important because it is the final year before transitioning to the adult immunization schedule, which often has different recommendations.
Institutional and College Entry Requirements
Beyond medical recommendations, vaccination status becomes an administrative necessity for many 17-year-olds planning their next steps. Many post-secondary institutions, especially colleges, have specific immunization requirements for incoming students. These requirements are often driven by close living quarters, such as dormitories, which can increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.
The Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) is frequently a mandatory requirement for college entry, especially for students living in on-campus housing. While the MenB vaccine is not universally required, some institutions may mandate or recommend it. State laws may also require proof of vaccination for other diseases, such as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) or Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis (Tdap), for high school graduation or college enrollment.
Practical Considerations and Safety
Vaccinations at age 17 are typically administered at a pediatrician’s office, a family physician’s clinic, or a local pharmacy. The vaccine is usually given as an injection into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. If multiple vaccines are administered during the same visit, they are given at different injection sites, often separated by at least one inch.
It is normal to experience minor side effects, which are a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. The most common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some individuals may also experience a mild fever, headache, or fatigue. These effects are generally mild, resolve within a day or two, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare, occurring in about one in a million recipients, and usually happen within 30 minutes of administration. Patients are advised to remain seated for about 15 minutes after the injection due to this minor risk. Routine adolescent vaccines are typically covered by most insurance plans under preventative care provisions, but it is prudent to check with the insurance provider beforehand.