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Are You up to Date?
Vaccine Recommendations for Your Preteen
By Keath Castelloe Low
- Meningitis: According to the CDC, "Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause death. Meningococcal bloodstream infection can cause loss of an arm or leg and even death. Preteens should receive a single shot of this vaccine during their 11- or 12-year-old checkup." If your teenager has missed the MCV4 vaccine, contact your pediatrician and schedule an appointment to get the vaccine.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis: Pertussis or "whooping cough," as it is more commonly known, is extremely contagious. It is a respiratory tract infection that often results in prolonged coughing spells. According to the CDC, "If it is transmitted to infants, it may be life threatening. Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is an improvement to the old Td booster because it adds protection from whooping cough while still maintaining protection from tetanus and diphtheria." It is recommended that preteens receive a single shot of Tdap at their 11- or 12-year-old check.
- Human Papillomavirus: According to the CDC, human papillomavirus or HPV is a common virus most often seen in teens and individuals in their early 20s. HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer in women. The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
The HPV vaccine has raised some controversy. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Many parents feel it is not appropriate to vaccinate their preteen for such a disease, especially when their preteen is not sexually active. The CDC holds the position that "girls should get three doses of this vaccine before their first sexual contact when they could be exposed to HPV. If your teenage daughter missed getting the vaccine when she was 11 or 12, ask her doctor about getting it now."