Immunizations include giving vaccines for prevention against specific diseases. While most of the vaccines are given at birth and then during childhood, it is necessary to give their booster doses and other additional vaccines as the age advances. Similarly, special attention should be given to disease prevention in teens as they are about to enter into a different phase of life.
Preteens and teens have varied exposure and are hence at risk of catching more infections. Thus in order to prevent them from dreadful diseases, there are some recommended vaccines that can help to protect them, their families and friends too. As parents, you need to be aware of these vaccines and talking to your family physician will help you in following the immunization schedule for your teens at home.
Immunization for teens
Some of the vaccines that are recommended for teens are:
- HPV vaccine – This vaccine is to protect against Human Pappilomavirus (HPV), some types of which virus can cause cancer. While it can cause cervical, vulval or vaginal cancer in women it can also affect men by causing cancer of penis and both by causing oral cancer. This is ideally recommended for preteens and young adults below 25 years, who have not been vaccinated, can take it. There are 3 doses to be taken within a period of 6 months.
- DaPT vaccine – This vaccine is given during infancy and booster doses are required to continue with the protection. This vaccine provides protection against three diseases namely diphtheria, pertusis and tetanus.
- MCV4 – This is the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, recommended for protection against meningococcal meningitis, which is a dangerous illness and can quickly worsen in just 48 hours leaving very little room for treatment. This is an infection and can easily spread when your teens get exposed to such environment. Hence it is advisable to get them vaccinated as per the dosing schedule at the advice of your physician.
- Flu vaccine – This is an influenza vaccine that offers protection against seasonal influenza and needs to be taken yearly. This is specially recommended for those who have tendency to suffer from respiratory illnesses and often catch seasonal cold and cough.
Getting your teens evaluated for their medical and immunization needs from your family physician will help you plan vaccination for your teens ahead of time.
