Why do preteens need to be vaccinated?
The vaccines recommended for preteens prevent serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. As children get older, the protection provided by some childhood vaccines can wear off. Preteens are also at risk for different diseases as they enter their teenage years. Help your preteen stay healthy by keeping them up-to-date on recommended immunizations.
A message from the American Academy of Pediatrics -
Hawaii Chapter
Click HereWhen Should Preteens Be Vaccinated?
Healthcare providers recommend several vaccines for preteens at their 11 or 12 year old check-up.
Which Vaccines Do Preteens Need?
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Pertussis (whooping cough) is highly contagious and causes severe coughing fits. The coughing can cause your preteen to miss weeks of school, sports, and social activities.
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Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) vaccine is an improvement to the Td booster. It adds protection against whooping cough, while still providing protection against tetanus and diphtheria.
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Meningococcal infection can be very serious, even deadly. Even with antibiotic treatment, adolescents die in about 10% of cases. About 20% of survivors will have long- lasting disabilities, such as loss of limb or brain damage.
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The meningococcal vaccine protects against most types of meningococcal disease, although it does not prevent all cases. Preteens should receive a single dose of this vaccine.
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HPV is a common virus that has many different strains or types. Some types can cause cervical cancer in women. Approximately 20 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with HPV.
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The HPV vaccine series is recommended for preteen girls to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. This vaccine may be administered to boys to prevent genital warts. Three shots are needed to complete the series.
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Influenza or "flu" is caused by highly contagious viruses. It can cause mild to severe illnesses, and at times may lead to death.
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The influenza vaccine is available as a shot or nasal spray. The single best way to protect against the flu is to have your preteen vaccinated each year.
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How are the Immunization Recommendations determined?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides guidance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. The role of the ACIP is to provide advice that will lead to a reduction in vaccine preventable disease in the U.S. and an increase in the safe use of vaccines. The ACIP develops written recommendations for the routine administration of vaccines to children and adults.
Preteen vaccine recommendations made by the ACIP are supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the Society for Adolescent Medicine (SAM).
Are these vaccines safe and effective?
Vaccines used in the United States are held to the highest standard of safety. Years of testing are required by law before a vaccine can be licensed. Once in use, vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Like any medication, vaccines can cause side effects. Concerns about side effects from the vaccines can sometimes cause parents to delay or refuse vaccinations for their preteens; however, a decision not to immunize your preteen also involves risk and could put your preteen and others who come into contact with him or her at risk for contracting a potentially deadly disease.
Each person is unique and may react differently to vaccination. The most common side effects preteens may experience are mild and may include redness and soreness at the injection site. For more information on the safety of vaccines, individuals who should not be vaccinated, and possible side effects, click here :
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Vaccines/Common_questions.htmlHow will I pay for these vaccinations?
Most insurance companies cover immunizations recommended for preteens. If your child does not have health insurance or your health insurance does not cover immunizations, free vaccinations are available to eligible children through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. For more information about the VFC program, talk to your preteen’s doctor. If your preteen does not have a doctor or does not have health insurance, call 2-1-1, Aloha United Way’s information and referral line.
Where can I get more information about vaccines recommended for preteens?
Help spread the word about immunizations for preteens by sending the e-card below to your friends, family and colleagues.
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Talk to your parents about making an appointment with your doctor to get your vaccinations.
Help spread the word about immunizations for preteens by sending the e-card below to your friends, family and colleagues.
Sample of e-card shown below:
Fill out the information below to personalize and send this e-card.
All fields are required.
