Adolescent & teen health
As teens mature from childhood through adolescence, their health care needs change. Having a good relationship with a Primary Care Provider (PCP) can help with the transition.
Annual preventive visit
Adolescents and teens should make annual preventive visits with their PCP a priority. Preventive care is an important part of keeping kids healthy into adulthood. When you see an in-network provider, you'll pay no ($0) out-of-pocket costs for preventive services. At these visits, your child's provider will:
- Monitor physical, mental and social development
- Provide age-specific vaccinations, screenings and tests
- Offer advice about unhealthy behaviors
- Discuss nutrition, proper exercise and safety measures
- Support your child's transition into adulthood
- Talk through any health and well-being questions and concerns
Annual preventive visit vs. sports physical
An annual preventive visit is an exam and health assessment to help monitor and treat a person’s level of health. A sports physical is an exam to help determine if it is safe for an athlete to participate in a sport. Your child’s PCP may do both at a preventive visit. A sports physical done as a separate visit will have cost sharing (copays, deductibles).
Adolescent immunizations
As kids grow, protection from some childhood vaccines begin to wear off. Kids also become at risk for more diseases. Staying up-to-date with recommended vaccines offers the best possible protection against common preventable diseases.
The CDC recommends vaccinating every adolescent against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) before their 13th birthday. Because the immune system has a stronger response in younger years, early vaccination can help protect adolescents from HPV – before exposure occurs.
The CDC also recommends that adolescents get the Meningococcal (MCV) and Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines before their 13th birthday. A MCV booster is recommended for ages 16-18.
If your adolescent missed getting their HPV or MCV vaccines before their 13th birthday, check with your PCP. It may not be too late for your child to receive important protection against cancers and infection.
For more information about recommended vaccines visit:
| Adolescent vaccines | Why | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Protects against some cervical, anal, oral and a few other rare cancers. | Two-dose series completed by age 13. Three-dose series if started at age 15 or older. |
| Meningococcal (MCV) | Protects against a bacterial infection that can make the lining of the brain and spinal cord swell, causing death. | One by age 13. |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) | A combination vaccine that protects against three life-threatening bacterial diseases. | One by age 13. |
| Meningococcal (MCV) booster (ages 16-18) | Meningococcal (MCV) booster (ages 16-18) Helps prevent meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B. | One. |
| Flu (all ages) | Protects against new strains of flu viruses - respiratory infections that can cause serious complications. | One every fall or winter. |
*If your plan uses a provider network, review your summary of benefits and coverage for network provider details.
Other adolescent and teen health resources
Sexually transmitted infections
Depression, mental health & addiction
Prevea360 Health plan - Behavioral Health
NIH – Mental Health Medications
NIH – Mental Health Professionals
Cyberbullying.org
Medication safety
Keep your family safe by following medication safety rules.
Medication safety links
FDA – take as prescribed
NIH – misuse and addiction
WI – safe disposal
Healthy relationships
Healthy relationships links
HelpGuide - Bullying
U.S. HHS – Adolescent Health
HealthyChildren.org
Raising Children Network
AACAP – Stress Management
LGBTQ Youth Resources, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health - CDC