Staying Healthy

Preteens and Teens need Vaccines Too!

Immunizations (also called vaccines) can help keep you healthy by protecting you from infections.  You may need certain vaccines if you plan to participate in certain sports, go away to camp or college, or if your school requires them.  The vaccines you received as a young child will not continue to protect you for your entire life, and you are at risk for different kinds of infections that can be prevented.  The following vaccines are recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  You and your parents can speak to your doctor about which vaccines you need.

Flu:  Teens should get the flu vaccine every year.

Tdap:  The Tdap vaccine can protect you against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).  Whooping cough is very contagious and can cause you to miss several weeks from school and other activities. If you have not gotten the vaccine yet, get one dose as soon as possible.

Meningococcal (Meningitis):  This vaccine helps prevent a serious form of meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Preteens should receive this vaccine at age 11 or 12 and then get a booster dose at age 16. Teens who received this vaccine for the first time when they are 13 through 15 years old will need a one-time booster dose when they are 16 through 18 years old.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV):  Talk to your parents and your doctor about whether you need this vaccine.  It can protect girls and young women against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancer and certain kinds of genital warts.  It can also protect boys from genital warts.

For information on immunization schedules click here.

For more information on how to stay healthy visit www.teenshealth.org/teen.