Vaccinate before you Graduate


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A Special Message to Rhode Island Parents

Are your high school senior's vaccinations (shots) up-to-date?

Did you know...?

  • Vaccinations can protect your teen from serious diseases.
  • Your teen may need vaccinations against many of these diseases in order to get a job or get into college.
  • If your teen is in school he or she can receive free vaccinations.
  • Once your child is 19 years of age or older and out of school, you or your child will have to pay for these vaccinations.
  • If you were to pay for all these vaccinations, it could cost as much as $1200!!!

What is Vaccinate Before You Graduate? 

Vaccinate Before You Graduate is a program that provides free vaccinations to all seniors at participating Rhode Island high schools. Vaccinate Before You Graduate can get your teen caught up on his or her shots before getting a job or going to college. These vaccinations will protect your teen against contagious diseases that can cause serious health problems. 

What should you do if you want your child to participate in the Program?

If you received a package from your teen's school, complete the Vaccinate Before You Graduate consent form to sign your teen up for the program.  If you did not receive this information from your teen's school, call the school to find out if they participate in Vaccinate Before You Graduate. 

What vaccinations are provided through the Program? 

The following vaccinations are provided through Vaccinate Before You Graduate. If your teen hasn't already been fully vaccinated, make sure he or she receives the vaccinations still needed. 

  • Hepatitis B (Hep B)
    3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine 
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
    2 doses of MMR vaccine 
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
    1 dose of Tdap is recommended if it has been 5 years or more since the last Td vaccine. 
  • Varicella ("Chickenpox")
    2 doses of Chickenpox vaccine are recommended if your teen has never had Chickenpox or been vaccinated against Chickenpox. 
  • Meningococcal ("Meningitis")
    1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine is recommended. 
  • Polio
    3-4 doses of Polio vaccine are recommended. 
  • Influenza (flu)
    One dose of flu vaccine is recommended each year. Vaccinate Before You Graduate offers this vaccine only to students without chronic medical conditions. Anyone who is pregnant, or has a medical condition such as heart or lung disease, anemia, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, or HIV infection is especially advised to get a flu shot through his or her doctor's office.