Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

For a 14-year-old female who needs immunization updates, which vaccines should be administered?

1. Td and hepatitis B

2. DTaP and hepatitis B

3. Hepatitis B only

4. MMR and Td

The correct answer is: Td and hepatitis B

The administration of Td (tetanus and diphtheria) and hepatitis B vaccines is appropriate for a 14-year-old female due to the immunization schedule recommended by the CDC. At this age, individuals typically receive a booster dose of Td, as their protection against tetanus and diphtheria from earlier childhood vaccinations (such as DTaP) needs to be updated. Additionally, by age 14, it is also vital to ensure that individuals are up to date with their hepatitis B vaccinations. Many adolescents may have completed this series in early childhood but may require boosters based on their medical history or vaccination status. In contrast, the DTaP series is administered in early childhood, and by the time a child is 14, they would have transitioned to Td boosters instead. Therefore, the recommendations do not include DTaP for this age group. Furthermore, while hepatitis B is crucial, the immunization schedule does not support the administration of this vaccine alone without considering the Td booster. The option containing MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Td is not as suitable here, considering the need for updated immunizations focusing on Td and hepatitis B in adolescents as they prepare for potential entry into higher education or