About 35 million U.S. teens have missed at least one recommended vaccine, leaving them unprotected against vaccine-preventable disease. For example, whooping cough (pertussis) has been on the rise. In 2005 alone, 30 percent of the reported 25,000 cases occurred among preteens and teens. In New York, widespread outbreaks of whooping cough occurred in 2006.
Vaccines provide protection. Some vaccines are needed to complete the recommended series — some boost your child’s protection — some are new.
The Vaccine List
Experts recommend the following vaccines be given to your child between 11 and 12 years old to protect them during their teen years:
Tetanus — Diptheria — Pertussis (TDaP): Pertussis, or whooping cough, affects the health of many preteens and teens in the United States. Widespread outbreaks of pertussis have occurred in New York in 2006, making this a very important vaccine for local children. This shot was first given to your child as an infant. Teens need a booster.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The three-dose series is given to girls to protect against cervical cancer.
Hepatitis A: Many cases are from an unknown source, making this an important vaccine. Prevent liver infection with two doses of this vaccine for preteens and teens.
Meningococcal Disease (MCV4): This vaccine protects against meningitis. One shot is recommended at the preteen visit, at the beginning of high school or for teens planning to go to college and live in the dorms.
Hepatitis B: If this three-shot series wasn’t completed before, it’s time to make sure your teen is protected. This vaccine protects against liver disease, including liver cancer.
Measles — Mumps — Rubella (MMR): Teens are still at risk of serious consequences form these three preventable diseases. If you teen hasn’t had a second dose, it’s time to complete the vaccine series.
Varicella: Chickenpox is usually mild in children, but it can be serious for teens and adults. Any teen who hasn’t had chickenpox and hasn’t been vaccinated will need two shots.
Polio (IPV): If your teen didn’t finish the four-shot series as a child, it’s time to make sure he’s protected now. Talk to your health care provider.
Influenza (Flu Shot): An annual flu shot can protect your teen and family. Talk to your health care provider.
Pneumococcal Disease (PPV): This vaccine protects against infections of the lungs, blood and brain. Not all teens need this shot, so talk to you health care provider.
Requirement Changes
Effective September 1, 2007 vaccine requirements for school entry have changed in New York. Students entering the sixth grade or a comparable age-level special education program or school, and who are 11 years or older must receive the booster vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. If your child recently received a tetanus shot, the requirement may be a bit different — ask your health care provider.
Vaccines Ar e Safe
Before a vaccine can be given, it must undergo years of testing. Once in use it’s still watched carefully. No medicine is 100 percent safe, but vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety. Choosing not to vaccinate is choosing the risk of catching a vaccine-preventable disease, one that can sometimes kill.
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is committed to keeping children healthy so they have the best chance of success in school. Vaccines are an important way to keep your teen healthy and ready to learn. Ask your health care provider what shots your teen needs. Protect your teen — vaccinate.
Here are some reliable sources for more information:
- New York State Department of Health Immunization Program (www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/immunization/recommendations/adolescents_and_ young_adults.htm).
- Immunization Action Coalition (www.immun ize.org).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/vaccines).
Nichole Bobo, R.N., M.S.N. is nursing education director of the National Association of School Nurses.