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Don't forget these vaccines for adolescents!
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Vaccinations for Adolescents
The news is full of stories about the new H1N1 vaccine—will there be enough? Where to get it? Who should get it? For vaccines, the best source of information is the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or your own pediatrician. You should check with them about availability and eligibility for your child and situation.
In all the rush to get the latest information about H1N1 vaccines, don’t neglect standard vaccines for pre-teens and teens. According to the Center for Disease Control, adolescents (defined by the CDC as 11 to 18 years old) should get these vaccines, at a minimum:
Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis (Tdap)
According to the CDC, “Tetanus causes painful muscle spasms, usually all over the body. It can lead to tightening of the jaw muscles so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Diptheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep. It can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures and passing out from violent coughing.” Caused by bacteria, tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds while diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. A Tdap vaccine is recommended at about age 11 or 12, depending on the child’s vaccine history.
Meningococcal (MCV)
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that is most commonly spread from person to person by inhaling airborne particles after an infected person sneezes or coughs. In many cases, carriers of the bacteria do not show any symptoms or even know that they are infected. Meningococcal is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, in children ages 2 through 18. Meningococcal disease can cause lifelong nervous system problems or, in about 10% of the cases, death. This vaccine is highly recommended for teenagers who are in close contact with other teens, such as in classrooms, and particularly in college dorms. This vaccine is recommended at about age 11 or 12, depending on the child’s vaccine history.
Influenza (flu)
Seasonal flu, or influenza, is caused by the influenza virus and is spread from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Since seasonal flu changes each year, annual vaccinations are recommended. Seasonal flu is not the same as H1N1 and seasonal flu shots do NOT protect against H1N1 virus. Seasonal flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, cough, headache, and achy muscles.
Parents of adolescent girls should also discuss the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with their pediatrician. This is a relatively new vaccine that prevents genital human papillomavirus, which is a major cause of cervical cancer. Given in three doses, it is often recommended for girls and women 13-26 years of age.
Call your pediatrician to check your child’s vaccination history and to find out which vaccines are still needed.
If you don’t have a pediatrician, a great resource in Santa Clara County is the County Public Health Department, which can advise about medical, public health, and mental health services available to county residents.
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