Preteens and Teens Need Vaccines Too! Recognizing Adolescent Immunization Action Week

Babies and young children aren’t the only ones who need vaccines to keep safe from diseases – preteens and teens need vaccines, too! To help raise awareness, Tahoe Forest Health System is joining with the California Department of Public Health in recognizing April 7-11 as “Adolescent Immunization Action Week.”

During adolescence, protection from childhood vaccination against pertussis or whooping cough may begin to wear off. Whooping cough can make people sick with a cough so severe they break their ribs. It is very contagious and can be deadly to babies.

TFHS Chief Medical Officer Brian Evans explains, “Whooping cough tends to surge every few years, as immunity wanes. Staying up to date on vaccinations is our best defense against these periodic spikes.”

The Tdap vaccine is recommended at age 11 or 12 years to boost protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Incoming 7th graders must provide proof of having received the whooping cough shot before starting school.

The HPV vaccine is recommended starting at age 9 years to prevent certain cancers later in life. TFHS Pediatric Medical Provider Jen Lang-Ree, PNP, CPNP, says, “It’s incredible that we have a vaccine that prevents cancer. It’s been available in the U.S. for nearly 20 years now, so we know that it works very well and that it’s safe. We’re already seeing large decreases in HPV infections and precancers thanks to the HPV vaccine.”

There are also vaccines to protect against meningitis, which can lead to amputations, deafness, or death. To be protected from some types of meningitis, doses of meningitis vaccine are given at age 11 or 12 years and again at age 16 years.

Tahoe Forest encourages parents and guardians to schedule a visit to ensure their adolescents are up to date on their vaccinations.

Schedule immunizations by:

• Calling TFHS Scheduling at (530) 582-6205
• Scheduling a Well Child Visit through your child’s MyChart account
• Requesting a vaccine-only appointment through your child’s MyChart account, after which a TFHS scheduler will contact you to schedule the appointment

Learn more about adolescent vaccinations.

Article contributed by Lizzy Henasey, MPH, Facilitator of the Truckee North Tahoe Immunization Coalition.