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Posted: January 18, 2008
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Leigh Hall, MD, Deputy Health Officer, 565-4401
Public Health Official Reminds Parents and Health Care Providers: Shots Aren't Just for Babies
Preteen Vaccine Week is January 20-26, 2008 and serves as a reminder for parents and health care providers of the importance of immunizations and regular doctor visits for 11- and 12-year-olds.
"California's youth are our greatest asset, and protecting their health is our responsibility," said Deputy Health Officer Leigh Hall. "Ensuring they get immunized and see a health care provider regularly not only protects their health today, it also teaches them the importance of good health for the future."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Society for Adolescent Medicine (SAM) recommend that all 11- and 12-year-olds go to a preteen check-up. This doctor's visit is also a great opportunity for parents, preteens, and their health care providers to discuss other preventive measures such as eating right and standing up to peer pressure.
The CDC recommends the following vaccines for 11- and 12-year-olds: a meningococcal shot, a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster, and immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV) for girls only. It is also a good time for preteens to get caught up on any childhood immunizations they may have missed such as a second chickenpox shot. Flu immunization is also recommended for anyone who wants protection for the flu and is especially important for preteens with chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes or those who have contact with infants and young children.
"Many parents have not seen the devastating effects of diseases that were common a few decades ago such as polio, diphtheria, and measles. Thanks to vaccines, these diseases are rarely seen in the United States today. However, we need to continue to prevent serious diseases by immunizing our communities. In Sonoma County, we have seen an increase in pertussis cases in persons 10 years and older over the past several years. Preteens need to be vaccinated," said Dr. Hall.
Whooping cough is one of the most common respiratory diseases among teens. It causes a severe cough that can last weeks or months and can sometimes cause pneumonia or hospitalization. The Tdap vaccine helps protect preteens and teens against this disease. It can also protect their families and close contacts.
Meningococcal infection can be very serious. The infection can rapidly progress to meningitis, pneumonia, and even death. About 10 percent of teens who get the disease die from it and another 15% will have long-term disability because of it.
The HPV vaccine protects girls from developing cervical cancer in adulthood. The vaccine is given as three shots over six months, and can be given at the same time as the other recommended vaccines.
Parents of preteens are urged to schedule an appointment with their child's health care provider to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date. If your preteen does not have health insurance, or is only partially insured, ask your health care provider or contact the Sonoma County Public Health Family Immunization Clinic at 565-4820 about getting free or low-cost vaccines.
For more information, go to www.GetImmunizedCA.org or www.sonoma-county.org/ph/.
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