Protecting Teens as They Grow

As children enter adolescence, their vaccination needs change. Teenagers need protection against infections that can affect them during middle school, high school, college, travel, sports, and young adulthood.

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we review recommended adolescent vaccines during wellness visits and help parents and teens understand how these vaccines support long-term health.

Vaccines During the Teen Years

Adolescent vaccines help boost earlier protection and protect against infections that become more important as children get older.

These vaccines may help protect against diseases such as:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis, also called whooping cough
• Meningococcal disease
• HPV-related cancers
• Flu
• COVID, when recommended
• Other illnesses based on health history, travel, school, or individual risk

Rather than asking families to keep track of every vaccine date, we review your child’s vaccine record at wellness visits and let you know what is recommended.

Vaccines During Wellness Visits

Most adolescent vaccines are given during annual wellness visits. These visits give your pediatrician a chance to review your child’s growth, development, school progress, emotional health, sports participation, and vaccine status.

When your teen is due for vaccines, your pediatrician will discuss the recommendations with you, explain what the vaccines help prevent, and answer any questions you or your teen may have.

Why Adolescent Vaccines Matter

Some vaccine-preventable infections can be especially serious for teenagers and young adults. Others may not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to health problems later in life.

Adolescent vaccines help protect your child now and as they move toward greater independence. They also help protect classmates, teammates, family members, and others in the community.

Preparing for College and Young Adulthood

As teens approach college, work, travel, or living away from home, it becomes especially important to make sure vaccines are up to date.

We can review your teen’s vaccine record, discuss any school or college requirements, and help complete vaccine forms when needed.

We’re Here to Help

Parents and teens often have questions about vaccine timing, side effects, school requirements, or why certain vaccines are recommended.

The pediatricians at Laurelwood Pediatrics can review vaccine recommendations, answer questions, update vaccine records, and help keep your teen protected through safe, timely vaccination.

Protect Your Teen's Health With Comprehensive Adolescent Vaccines

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we understand that keeping your adolescent healthy means staying current with recommended immunizations. Our team provides a full range of vaccines designed to protect teens from serious illnesses as they grow. With over 66 years of combined experience, we've been serving families since 1957, offering convenient access through our patient portal for existing patients and round-the-clock support from our on-call nurses.

Reach out to us to schedule your teen's vaccination appointment today.

Signs Your Teen May Need Vaccination Updates

As your child enters adolescence, their immunization needs change. Many vaccines require boosters during the teen years, and new vaccinations become necessary to maintain protection. Here's when you should consider scheduling an appointment:

• Entering middle school or high school
• College enrollment approaching soon
• Several years since last well-child visit
• Participating in sports or group activities
• Planning to travel soon
• School or camp requires proof of immunization

Update your adolescent's vaccines well before deadlines. Our locally owned practice accepts most commercial insurance plans, making it easier to keep your teen protected.

Why Adolescent Vaccines Are Essential

Teenagers face unique health risks that require specific immunizations. Certain diseases pose greater threats during adolescence, and immunity from childhood vaccines can fade over time. Here's why these vaccines matter:

• Prevents meningitis and serious bacterial infections
• Protects against HPV-related cancers
• Maintains immunity as childhood vaccines wear off
• Reduces disease spread in schools and communities
• Meets requirements for educational institutions
• Safeguards reproductive health for the future

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we'll review your teen's vaccination history and ensure they're fully protected. Schedule their appointment through our convenient patient portal.

Why Choose Laurelwood Pediatrics

For more than six decades, families throughout Memphis have trusted us with their children's health. We combine experience with accessibility, ensuring you always have support when you need it most. Here's what sets us apart:

• Over 66 years of combined medical experience
• Serving the community since 1957
• 24-hour access to on-call nurses for urgent concerns
• Easy appointment scheduling through our patient portal
• Acceptance of most commercial insurance plans
• Family-focused, locally owned practice

We're committed to making preventive care simple and accessible for every family. Let us help keep your teenager healthy and protected.

Contact Us

Your adolescent's health matters, and staying current with vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect them. At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we're here to answer your questions and provide the immunizations your teen needs. When preparing for the school year or planning ahead for college, we'll make sure they're fully protected.

Contact us today to schedule your teen's vaccination appointment and experience the care that's kept families coming back for over 60 years.