Immunizations, vaccinations and shots.
Whatever you call them, they’re important!
The need for vaccinations doesn’t go away as you get older. In fact, as you enter your teenage years you need to get a number of vaccinations.
Some of the immunizations you’ll need are "booster" shots for diseases you were immunized against as a child. Boosters continue the protection of the vaccines that you received as a child. Others are new immunizations that will protect you against diseases you may come in contact with as an adult.
Getting immunized is a lifelong, life protecting job.
Recommended Vaccines for adolescents 11 – 13
New: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and most cases of cervical cancer are associated with previous HPV infection. The new HPV vaccine reduces infection from four strains of HPV – 6, 11 (warts), 16, and 18 (cervical cancer). These recommendations are designed to promote vaccination before sexual activity begins.
- The HPV vaccine is recommended for females ages 9 – 26.
- Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls aged 11 – 12 years.
- Girls as young as 9 years old may receive the vaccine.
- Females 13 – 26 should receive a “catch-up” vaccine, even if they have been sexually active.
- The HPV vaccine is not currently recommended for women over age 26.
- Females with a previous history of HPV can benefit because the vaccine can prevent infection from other HPV strains they have not contracted.
- Females should continue routine Pap screenings regardless of whether they have gotten the HPV vaccine. The vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV.
- Three injections are required for protection. It has not been established whether booster shots will be required.
Tetanus and Diptheria Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
Diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases causesd by bacteria. Diptheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.
Diptheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommend at age 11 – 12 years for those who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series and have not received a Td booster dose. Adolescents 13 – 18 years who missed the 11 – 12 year Td/Tdap booster dose should also receive a singe dose of Tdap if they have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing). High fever, headache, and stiff neck are some of the common symptoms of meningitis. Other symptoms may include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness.
The vaccine is recommended for children 11 – 12 years of age, previously unvaccinated adolescents entering high school, or soon-to-be college freshmen living in dormitories.
Catch-Up Vaccines
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
The measles virus can cause rash, cough, fever, and runny nose. Measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death.
The mumps virus can cause fever, headache and swollen glands. It can result in deafness, meningitis, and in rare cases death.
The rubella virus, commonly known as German measles, is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. It can cause mild fever, rash and arthritis particularly in females. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant it could lead to a miscarriage or her baby may be born with serious birth defects.
If you have not been previously vaccinated, you should receive two doses of MMR during any visit four or more weeks between the doses.
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)
Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that lives in the throat and intestinal tract. It is most often spread by person-to-person contact with the stool, or oral and nasal secretions of an infected person.
If you started late or is greater than one month behind, your parent or guardian should discuss a catch-up immunization schedule with your health care provider.
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. The Hepatitis B virus can cause acute short term illness such as diarrhea and vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), and pain in muscles, joints and stomach. It can also cause chronic illness leading to liver damage, liver cancer and even death. The complete hepatitis B vaccination series includes 3 doses.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Although Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a common disease, it can be dangerous and even deadly. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults. The chickenpox virus can be spread from person to person through the air, or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters. It causes blister-like rash throughout the body, itching, fever, and tiredness. Chickenpox can lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, or death.
Two doses to adolescents younger than 13 at least three months apart; four weeks apart for adolescent 13 or older; two doses to individuals without evidence of immunity.
Certain High Risk Groups
Influenza (flu)
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. While most healthy people recover from the flu without complications, some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from the flu.
Annually for children with certain risk factors.*
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal disease refers to a variety of infections caused by the bacterium S. pneumoniae. It is spread person-to-person by coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that causes much sickness and death.
This vaccine is recommended for teens with chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes or other high risk conditions.*
