immunizations facts, Answers & Questions
Why are immunizations important for teens?
Teens need immunizations to stay healthy. Some diseases like chickenpox are more dangerous for teens and adults than they are for young children. Teens can also spread diseases to friends and family members that aren't fully protected.
Who recommend immunizations for teens?
All of the major medical associations agree that teens need immunizations. Some of the immunizations recommended for teens are also required to attend school in Washington.
Which immunizations are recommended for teens?
All teens need the following immunizations if they haven't already received them.
- Hepatitis A is a 2-dose series.
Hepatitis B is a 3-dose series - hepatitis B vaccine is required for children attending kindergarten through 9th grade. The vaccine will be required for K-10th grade students for the 2007-2008 school year. - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a 3-dose series.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) is a 2-dose series
- Meningococcal is a 1 dose vaccine.
Polio is a 4-dose series - Only 3 doses are required if the 3rd dose is given on or after age 4 years. The polio vaccine series can be given up until age 18 years. - Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) (Tetanus-diphtheria (TD) is a 1 dose vaccine - Tdap is a new vaccine. Tdap should replace one Td booster. If teens get Tdap at age 11 years, they will not need their next Td booster until age 21 years. Tdap will be required for children attending sixth grade starting July 1, 2007.
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a 1 dose vaccine - One dose of the varicella vaccine is required for students attending kindergarten, 1st and 6th grade in school year 2007-2008. Varicella vaccine is recommended for teens that haven't had chickenpox or been previously vaccinated. Teens aged 13 years and older need two doses of varicella vaccine to be fully-protected.
Teens with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes and teens that have weakened immune systems may need additional immunizations. Check with you teens' healthcare provider to find out if they need additional immunizations. Check with your teens' health care provider to find out if they need the following immunizations.
- Influenza (flu) - Teems that are family members or caregivers of people who are at high risk of severe complications from the flu should get a flu vaccination.
- Pneumococcal
When should teens get these immunizations?
A health care visit is recommended for all teens aged 11-12 years. However, many of the immunizations recommended for teens can be given before age 11 years.
Teens can also get immunizations when they see their health care provider for sports physicals or mild illnesses.
Where can teens get immunizations?
Teens can com to the Erie County Health Department or their regular doctor for immunizations. Parents can call the Health Department at 419-626-5623 for help finding low-cost immunizations for their teen.
Most health insurance companies pay for all recommended immunizations. Washing teens younger than 19 can receive low cat or free immunizations through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. For more information about the VFC Program call the Erie County Health Department at 419-626-5623.
How can I get my child's immunizations record?
Your child's doctor, nurse, or Health Department should have an immunizations record for your child. Healthcare providers who use Ohio's CHILD Profile Immunizations Registry can track each patient's immunizations and history of chickenpox disease. Parent can call the Erie County Health Department to obtain a copy of your child's shot record if immunizations were given by the Health Department at 419-626-5623.
What other preventive health services do teens need?
The adolescent health visit may include a wide variety of health education, screening, and physical exam services. Topics may include diet/nutrition, exercise, injury prevention, mental health, and risk behaviors, as well as immunizations. Preventive health services vary depending on each teen's specific needs.
Where can I get more information?
Call your doctor, nurse, or the Erie County Health Department for more information about immunizations and other preventive health services.