Vaccine Information for Teens
Posted on: 07/12/2010
Vaccines for Teens
Many adolescents come to their annual school or sports physical anticipating only a “tetanus shot.” While a tetanus booster is often indicated at an adolescent well visit, additional vaccines are recommended for this age group to protect them from various diseases.
HPV: Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US. More than half of sexually active men and women are infected with the virus sometime in their lives. For many, HPV will clear on its own. For others, certain types of the virus can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in females. Other types can cause genital warts in both males and females. The HPV vaccine is a three dose series recommended at age 11 or 12 for girls and can be started as early as age nine. For boys, the vaccine series is offered as young as age nine also. While it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, some private insurance carriers do not yet provide coverage for the HPV vaccine for males. Check with your carrier to be certain.
MCV4: Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children in the US. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. College freshmen living in dormitories and teenagers 15-19 have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease. Many colleges and universities now require a MCV4 vaccine for entrance. One dose of MCV4 is recommended for those 11-18 years of age.
Tdap: The Tdap vaccine includes protection for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis or “Whooping cough.” Td, the standard Tetanus booster does not include the protection against Pertussis. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread by coughing and sneezing. Its incidence in the US has been on the rise over the last 30 years, especially among teens, pre-teens and very young children. The infection causes a lengthy illness that can lead to repeated doctor visits and missed school and increases risk for pneumonia. One dose of Tdap is recommend for adolescents who got DTaP or DTP as children and have not yet had a Td. Adolescents who have had a Td should consider at Tdap if it has been more than two years since the Td.
HAV: Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually spread by close personal contact and sometimes by eating food or drinking water containing HAV. Adolescents who anticipate travel to areas with a high incidence of hepatitis A should be vaccinated with HAV. HAV is a two dose series and the doses are given six months apart.
VZV: Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. Usually mild, it can be serious in young infants and adults. Children of any age can have complications such as severe skin infections, pneumonia, or brain infection. Nebraska state law requires documentation of chickenpox vaccine or history of chickenpox disease for school entrance. Teens 13 years or older who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart.
For more information about these vaccines go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/, or search for the specific vaccine in the “Patient Education online” feature on our website.
Sources:
CDC Vaccine Information Statements:
Chickenpox 3/13/08
Td, Tdap 11/18/08
Meningococcal Vaccines 1/28/08
HPV 3/30/10
Hepatitis A 3/21/06
“HPV: What you need to know” AAP Patient education online.
