Are you a Teenager or Preteen? Protect Your Teens from Serious Diseases

Are you a person who leaves their phone at home and needs a ride to get somewhere? These were just some of the many days you expected. Did you also know that your teens and preteens would need shots as well?

As children age, they are more at risk of getting some infections. The protection offered by vaccines given to children in childhood begins to fade, so it is important that they receive a booster dose. Perhaps you have been aware of pertussis outbreaks. Vaccine-preventable illnesses are still very real. The vaccines for preteensTeens can protect your children, their friends, and the community.

Preteens need to get four vaccines when they turn 11 or 12. You will need to give a booster shot to a teenager or older child who is already vaccinated. You can also get any missed shots. Any healthcare visit, even sports physicals, can be used to give your child the shots they need. Preteens and teens can get the following vaccines:

* HPV vaccine for both boys and girls, which protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer. HPV can cause cancers in the cervix and vulva in women, and in men cancers in the penis. HPV can cause oral/throat cancers, anal cancer, and genital warts in both men as well as women.

* Tdap vaccine, which is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Whooping cough can cause children to be absent from school for several weeks. It can also be transmitted to babies, which can lead to serious and even fatal complications.

* Meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease, which is caused by bacteria, is the leading cause of bacterial encephalitis (a serious infection that affects the brain and spinal cord).

* Influenza (flu) vaccine, because even healthy kids can get the flu, and it can be serious. Every year, all children, even teens, need to get the flu shot.

Talk to a doctor or nurse about vaccines for teens and preteens. Even though your children may not be aware of it, they still need you to take them somewhere. These vital and life-saving vaccines are essential for your kids’ health.

You want to know more about vaccines for teens and preteens? You can find out more at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teensCall 1-800-CDC-INFO.