Vaccines for teens to help keep them safe and healthy

Your children got their vaccinations when they were babies and young elementary school children, but did you also you know your preteens and teens need vaccines to stay healthy and protected against serious diseases?

As they get older, preteens and teens are at increased risk for some infections. Plus the protection provided by some of the childhood vaccines begins to wear off, so preteens need an additional dose (booster) to “boost” immunity. You may have heard about whooping cough (pertussis) outbreaks recently. Vaccinepreventable diseases are still around and very real. The vaccines for preteens and teens can help protect your kids, as well as their friends, community, and other family members.

There are four vaccines recommended for all preteens at ages 11 to 12:

1. Quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against four types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious disease that can cause infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood (bacteremia). Since protection decreases over time, a booster dose is recommended at age 16 for continued protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.

2. HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV (human papillomavirus) that most commonly cause cancer. HPV can cause future cancers of the cervix, vulva and vagina in women and cancers of the penis in men. In both women and men, HPV can also causes cancers in the back of the throat (including base of the tongue and tonsils), anal cancer and genital warts.

3. Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus and diphtheria are uncommon now because of vaccines, but they can be very serious. Whooping cough is common and on the rise in the United States. It can keep kids out of school and activities for weeks, but it is most dangerous — and sometimes even deadly — for babies who can catch it from family members, including older siblings.

4. Influenza (flu) vaccine protects against influenza viruses. Even kids who are generally healthy can get the flu and can become seriously ill. The flu strains that cause illness tend to change each year, so all kids, including your preteens and teens, should get the flu vaccine every year. Parents should also get vaccinated to protect themselves and to help protect their children from the flu.

Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) may also be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine, preferably between the ages of 16 to 18 years old.

Some vaccines may be needed before your child returns to school this fall, so be sure your children’s vaccines are up-to-date before school starts to ensure they do not get sent home for not having the shots they need. You can use any health care visit, including sports or camp physicals, checkups or some sick visits, to get the shots your kids need. Talk with your child’s healthcare professional to find out which vaccines your preteens and teens need. Vaccines are a crucial step in keeping your kids healthy. Would you like to learn more about the vaccines for preteens and teens? Visit www. healthymadisoncounty.gov. The Madison County Health Department holds Immunization clinics each week by appointment and appointments may be scheduled online or by phone at (315) 366-2848. Most insurance plans are accepted. Some fees may apply.