Are Your Preteen or Teen Immunizations Up-to-Date?

"Vaccines aren't just for babies," states Micki Fischer, Public Health Nurse. "As kids get older, the protection provided by some of the vaccines given during childhood can begin to wear off. Older kids can also develop risks for certain infections as they enter the preteen and teen years."

Which vaccines do preteens and teens need and at what age?

The Tdap vaccine protects against 3 diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (also called "whooping cough"). The DTaP shots that infants and young children receive protect against these diseases, but protection begins to wear off as kids get older. The Tdap vaccine takes the place of what used to be called the "tetanus booster" and has the added benefit of continuing protection against whooping cough, which is very contagious. Whooping cough can make preteens and teens sick enough to miss several weeks of school and other activities. It can also be passed on to others, including babies, who can die from it. Preteens (11 or 12 years old) should get a single dose of Tdap. Teens (13 through 18) who have not yet gotten Tdap should get a single dose as soon as possible.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) helps prevent meningococcal disease and it can prevent two of the three most common disease-causing strains. Meningococcal meningitis can become deadly in 48 hours or less. Even with treatment, people die in about 10% of cases. About 20% of survivors of meningococcal disease have a long-term disability such as deafness, brain damage, or an amputated arm or leg. Preteens should receive this vaccine at age 11 or 12 and then get a booster at age 16. Teens who received MCV4 for the first time when they are 13 through 15 years old will need a one-time booster dose when they are 16 through 18 years old.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines protect girls and young women against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancer.  One HPV vaccine also prevents anal cancer and genital warts in both females and males. Doctors recommend HPV vaccine for 11 and 12 year old girls to protect against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Doctors and parents may also choose to vaccinate 11 and 12 year old boys to protect them from the types of HPV that cause anal cancer and genital warts.  HPV vaccines are given in three doses shots over 6 months-it is very important to get all 3 shots to be fully protected. 

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, but you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to the doctor. If you don't have insurance, or if it does not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program may be able to help.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program at Horn Public Health provides vaccines to eligible children. Children younger than 19 years of age are eligible for VFC vaccines if they are Medicaid-eligible, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), have no health insurance, or children who have health insurance that does not cover vaccinations. Immunization Clinics will be held August 9 and 10 from 9:00 a.m. until noon and 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information call the Horn Public Health at 364-7311.