Teens need protection too
Not many things last forever. This is especially true when it comes to protection provided by childhood vaccines. Some vaccines protect for a short time or even years- but not necessarily your whole life, as is the case with tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. As children get older, protection offered by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off and children 11-12 years of age need another dose to be fully protected.
As children transition into their teen years, make sure they are up-to-date on these recommended vaccinations:
· 1-2 doses of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) to help prevent meningitis.
· 3 doses of human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) to help prevent the most common types of cervical cancer in girls and genital warts in boys.
· 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (Tdap)
· 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine (hep B)
· 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine (hep A)
· 2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR)
· 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine (Var)
· At least 3 doses of polio vaccine (IPV or OPV)
· Influenza vaccine every year in the fall or winter months
Keep in mind that children from birth through 18 years of age may be eligible for Vaccines for Children (VFC), which provides vaccine at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.
Qualifications include that the child:
· Is on Medicaid
· Does not have health insurance
· Is an American Indian or Alaskan Native
· Is under-insured
For more information regarding VFC, please contact Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) at:
Clinton County: 989-224-2195
Gratiot County: 989-875-3681
For more information regarding what immunizations your adolescent requires, please contact your primary care provider or Mid-Michigan Health Department.