Hudson Headwaters offers vaccinations for teenagers through their teen immunization program. This program aims to keep teens up-to-date on their vaccines (immunizations) so that they continue to stay healthy.  We will be mailing immunization reminder postcards to parents of preteens and teens in Queensbury, Warrensburg, and the North Country. If you receive one of these postcards, it is time to schedule a vaccination appointment for your child. Some vaccinations are required for entrance and attendance at New York State schools. Find out which vaccinations are required for your child here.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is an infection that can cause cancers and genital warts in both males and females. HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls starting at 11-12 years old. The vaccine will help prevent them from developing certain cancers in the future. The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots. Be sure that your child gets all 3 shots of HPV vaccine for full protection.

If your child is older than 11-12 years, your child can still start the HPV series. Talk to your provider about how to get started!

Meningococcal bacteria cause meningitis and other serious infections, which can be fatal. The vaccine will help protect your child against meningococcal bacteria. All 11-12 years olds should be vaccinated with meningococcal vaccine. Your child will also need a booster shot of this vaccine at age 16 years.

Tdap vaccine is recommended for preteens at ages 11 or 12 years for protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Protection provided by the DTaP vaccine received in childhood wears off as children get older, so preteens and teens need a booster shot known as Tdap.

Preteens and teens (and everyone else 6 months and older) should get the flu vaccine every year. The flu virus usually causes a cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue (tiredness) and sometimes fever. Flu spreads easily when sick people cough, sneeze, or talk. While most preteens and teens with the flu get better in a couple of weeks, some will get complications like sinus infections, or pneumonia (a serious lung infection). For preteens and teens who have chronic health problems like diabetes or asthma, flu symptoms can make their chronic health conditions worse.

Flu season begins each October. Talk to your provider about the annual flu vaccine for your family.

Preteens and teens may also need a dose of Hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is usually spread by close personal contact with someone who has the virus, and sometimes by eating food or drinking water containing HAV. A person who has hepatitis A can easily pass the disease to others within the same household. Talk to your provider to find out if your teen needs a dose of Hepatitis A vaccine!

Find out more about the vaccinations available to your child here.

All teens need three different vaccines. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal, and Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines can protect your child from dangerous diseases. Teens may need to receive more than one dose of some of these vaccines.

Research has shown that these vaccines are as effective when given together as they would be if given individually. Giving the 3 vaccines at the same time does not increase the risk for side effects.

Protection provided by the DTaP vaccine received in childhood wears off as children get older, so preteens and teens need a booster shot. This booster shot is known as Tdap. Tdap vaccine is recommended for preteens at ages 11 or 12 years to boost their protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

HPV infection can cause many types of cancer, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer. HPV vaccine is an important tool to help prevent these cancers. It can also prevent genital warts.

Infection with HPV is very common. Most people will be exposed to HPV at some time during their life. It is best to get your child protected early in life, before he or she may be exposed to HPV.

No, you will not be charged for the cost of any of these teen vaccines. The vaccines are covered 100% by your insurance or are provided free by the Vaccines for Children program.