Most teens, at this time of year are thinking more about
the end of school, graduation, and going to the beach. As parents, however, what we think about most
is keeping them safe. As you plan the
summer and think about your teen's visit for a school physical and forms, keep
in mind that teen vaccines are one of the most important ways to keep our
children safe. The following is a
summary of some of the most common questions and answers that come up during
visits with my teen patients.
What are the vaccines necessary for teens and pre-teens?
There are 4 vaccines that are recommended by the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as well as by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
HPV Vaccine: Human
papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines help protect both boys and girls from both
cancers caused by HPV as well as the virus itself. Girls and boys should begin and finish the
vaccine when they are 11 or 12 years old.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine: MCV protects against
the bacteria that causes meningitis as well as bacterial sepsis. Meningitis is a very serious and sometimes
fatal condition that includes swelling of the brain and spinal cord. Pre-teens need this vaccine at age 11 or 12
as well as a booster when they are 16.
Tdap Vaccine: This
vaccine protects against 3 serious infectious diseases; Diptheria, Tetanus and
Pertussis. Pre-teens should get a
booster at age 11 or 12. If your teen did not get one as a pre-teen they should
have one now.
Flu Vaccine: The annual flu vaccine not only protects
against the flu virus; it also protects against the health issues that flu
causes such as dehydration, worsening of asthma or diabetes for those who
suffer those diseases, and even pneumonia.
Are vaccines safe?
These vaccines are very safe. Many parents and patients are accustomed to
researching information on the internet and can be put off by the unreliable
literature that is published there. It
is important to always research medical information at a reputable site that
relies on research and scientific data to report findings. Great sites include www.cdc.gov and www.healthychildren.org. Side effects caused by vaccines are
minimal. Some children may have mild
effects such as redness or soreness in the arm.
Some teens may feel light headed or even faint after vaccines or other
medical procedures. Lying down for a few
minutes after shots can help preven this.
Side effects are quite mild compared to the serious disease that they
prevent.
Why do I need to give my teen vaccines and do they really
need boosters?
Your child is still not protected from an illness until
he or she gets a full course of vaccines.
As our kids go off to camp and to college it is important to realize
that they will be living in close quarters with large numbers of people and are
very at risk for catching communicable diseases and so we do not want to leave
them unprotected.
Missing a shot or a booster may not seem like a big deal
but that little two second "ouch" protects you from illness that have
major side effects. For example, older
teens and adults who get mumps can become infertile. Those who get chickenpox as older teens are
more at risk for pneumonia, as well as serious skin infections such as
MRSA. Shots do save lives. Hepatitis attacks the liver and can
ultimately kill. HPV infection can cause
cancer. 1 in 10 people with
meningococcal disease will die from it.
The good news is that if you have missed a booster or even a whole
series of shots you can simply pick up right where you left off. Its never too late.
What if I need help paying for vaccines?
Most insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. If you do not have insurance coverage, the
Vaccines For Children (VFC) program may be able to help. Our offices participate in VFC and the
program provides vaccines for children up to 18 years who are not insured,
underinsured on Medicaid or are American Indian.
As a final thought, it is important to remember that it
is normal to be nervous about getting shots.
If your teen has this problem try to suggest techniques such as deep
breathing or coughing as the shot goes in.
The pinch lasts for only a second but the protection lasts a long, long
time.
References:
1. Vaccines for Pre-teens and Teens: What Parents Should Know. US Department of Health and Human Services
2. Your Preteens and Teens Need Vaccines Too! CDC Website
