As a parent, you always want to ensure your child is healthy and safe. But with so many things that can affect their health nowadays, it can be hard to keep track of everything. One thing that parents often struggle with is understanding the vaccine schedule for their teenage children. With more and more vaccines being recommended and different timelines for each one, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the vaccine schedule for teens and young adolescents.
The Importance of Vaccines
Vaccines are very important for keeping our children healthy. They help their bodies fight off sickness by strengthening their immune systems.
Vaccines are like a practice for your child’s body, so it knows how to protect them from getting sick in the future.
Vaccines for children not only protect them, but they also help protect others in the community. When a lot of people get vaccinated, it creates something called herd immunity. This means that even those who can’t get vaccinated, like people with certain medical conditions or allergies, are still protected from getting sick.
This is really important because it helps prevent outbreaks and keeps everyone safe and healthy, especially babies and older people.
Recommended Vaccines for Ages 15 to 21 Years
As children grow into teenagers and young adults, they need different vaccines to stay healthy. These vaccines are important because they protect against diseases affecting their health, education, and future opportunities.
Let’s take a closer look at the recommended vaccines for people between 15 and 21 years old.
Meningococcal Vaccines (MenACWY and MenB)
These vaccines help prevent serious illnesses like meningitis and blood infections caused by meningococcal disease. It’s important for teens to get this vaccine at 11-12 years old, with a booster at 16.
This is especially crucial for college students, who may be in close contact with others and are more likely to catch the disease.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Booster
The Tdap booster vaccine protects against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. These illnesses can cause painful muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing, heart failure, and even death.
It is important to get a booster dose around age 16 to reinforce protection during the teenage years and into adulthood.
HPV Vaccine
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against the viruses that can cause cervical cancer, certain other cancers, and genital warts. The series typically starts between ages 11 and 12, but if your child has not yet received the vaccine, it’s not too late.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all teens and young adults through age 26.
Annual Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
An annual flu vaccine is important for everyone above six months of age, including 15 to 21-year-olds. Influenza can lead to serious health complications, and getting vaccinated every year is the best protection.
COVID-19 Vaccine
It is very important for teens and young adults to follow the COVID-19 vaccine schedule, including getting booster shots when needed. This will help protect them from the virus and its possible serious effects.
Catch-up Vaccines
If your child has not received all the recommended vaccines, it’s a good idea to catch up during adolescence. This may include vaccines for chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella.
Your child’s adolescent medicine provider can help you create a schedule for getting these important vaccinations.
Why Is It Important to Follow the Vaccine Schedule?
Sticking to the recommended schedule will protect your child at the right time and have a lower chance of getting or spreading dangerous diseases. Some vaccines for children need more than one shot to work fully, so following the schedule helps ensure your child stays protected for a long time.
It’s important to talk openly with your doctor when deciding on vaccines for children. They can give you all the information about each vaccine, explain any possible side effects, and answer any questions you may have. This will help you make informed choices for your child’s health.
Vaccines for Children in Purchase, NY
At BridgeSpan Medicine, we understand the unique healthcare needs of adolescents and young adults. Our dedicated team of adolescent medicine specialists is committed to providing comprehensive care, including a focus on preventive measures like vaccinations.
Whether it’s catching up on vaccines or staying updated with annual flu shots and the latest recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations, we are here to support you every step of the way.
For more information, call our staff today at (914) 698-5544 or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
