When it comes to keeping our children healthy, vaccinations are a crucial tool. Not only do they protect our kids from serious illnesses, but they also help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within our communities.
While vaccinations are often associated with infancy and early childhood, it’s important to remember that adolescents and teenagers need vaccinations, too.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything that parents need to know about adolescent vaccinations, including the importance of adolescent vaccinations and which ones your child needs.
Why Are Adolescent Vaccinations Important?
Many parents may assume that once their child has received all of the recommended vaccinations in childhood, they no longer need to worry about vaccinations. However, this is not the case.
As children grow older, the immunity provided by some childhood vaccines can diminish, increasing the risk of catching certain diseases like meningitis and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Adolescent vaccinations can help to protect them from these serious illnesses. Additionally, many vaccines that children receive in earlier years may require booster shots in adolescence to ensure continued protection.
Which Vaccines Should Adolescents Receive?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several vaccines for adolescents:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine protects adolescents from three severe bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, diphtheria results in a thick covering in the back of the throat, leading to breathing problems, and pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing.
This vaccine is usually administered around the ages of 11 or 12 after initial childhood vaccinations. The Tdap vaccine is essential as it boosts immunity that might have faded over time and ensures continued protection during the adolescent years.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The HPV vaccine provides protection against the most common types of HPV – a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various cancers, such as cervical cancer in women, throat cancer, and other genital cancers in both men and women.
The CDC recommends that the HPV vaccination series begin at age 11 or 12 but can start as early as age 9. It’s typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given 6 to 12 months after the first.
Those who get their first HPV vaccine on or after their 15th birthday will need three doses of this vaccine. Early vaccination is encouraged as it produces a more robust immune response during the teen years.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
This vaccine defends against certain types of meningococcal disease, including bacterial meningitis – an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This disease can be fatal or lead to severe complications like permanent disabilities.
Typically, the first dose of this vaccine is given at ages 11-12, with a booster dose at age 16 to provide continued protection during the years when teens are at the highest risk of meningococcal disease.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone over six months old, including adolescents.
The flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death in severe cases. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and related complications. It’s especially important for teens who have chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes.
When Should Teens Get These Vaccines?
The ideal opportunity to administer these vaccines is during your teen’s annual health check-up. This routine appointment often serves as a comprehensive review of your child’s overall health and development, making it a suitable time to ensure their immunization schedule is up to date.
In addition to yearly wellness checks, other occasions such as mandatory physical examinations for school enrollment or sports participation can also serve as convenient times for adolescent vaccination. These events often require proof of certain immunizations, providing another opportunity to ensure your adolescent’s vaccinations are current.
If, for any reason, your teen has missed any recommended vaccine doses, it’s critical to bring this to your pediatrician’s attention. Missed doses don’t necessarily mean starting over. The CDC’s catch-up immunization schedule can help your teen get back on track. Your child’s doctor can provide guidance on how to proceed with the catch-up vaccination.
Vaccines Are Safe for Adolescent
All vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before being approved. While mild side effects like a sore arm or slight fever are common, serious side effects are rare. The benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh any potential risks.
Ways to Convince Your Teenager for Vaccines
Ensuring your teenager gets vaccinated can be tricky, particularly if they’re anxious or have misconceptions about vaccines. Here are some ways to prepare your teenager for vaccinations:
- Educate them about vaccines according to their age.
- Address misinformation and provide facts.
- Practice active listening and empathy.
- Reassure about vaccine safety.
- Acknowledging your teenager’s feelings.
Adolescent Medicine Doctor Near Me in Tuckahoe, NY
At Village Pediatric Group, we have a team of board-certified pediatricians who provide a range of services tailor-made for your child’s needs, including general pediatric care, immunizations, respiratory care, lab testing, ear piercing, wart removal, and mental and behavioral health services.
We also provide well visits, physicals, and sick visits, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for your child from newborn to 21 years of age.
To schedule an appointment at Village Pediatric Group, please request an appointment online or call us at (914) 771-7070. We look forward to serving you!
