Pre-teen and Adolescent Immunizations
Why do Pre-teens and Adolescents Need Immunizations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that pre-teens get several vaccines at their 11 or 12-year old check-up.
- Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap)
Whooping cough is highly contagious with prolonged cough. If it is transmitted to infants, it may be life-threatening. Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is an improvement to the old Td booster because it adds protection from whooping cough while still maintaining protection from tetanus and diphtheria.
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)
Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause death. Meningococcal bloodstream infection can cause loss of an arm or leg and even death. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) protects against these infections.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, for girls
HPV is a common virus. HPV is most common in people in their teens and early 20s. It is the major cause of cervical cancer in women. HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
These vaccines prevent serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. As kids get older, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. Kids can also develop risks for more diseases as they get older. Help your child transition into adolescence in a healthy way by staying up-to-date on pre-teen vaccines. Doctors recommend that all 11 and 12-year olds get the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. 11 and 12-year old girls should also get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. If your child did not get these vaccines at age 11 or 12, parents are encouraged to check with your child’s health care provider or clinic about the availability of these important vaccines. For more information, visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol.htm
