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Adolescent Immunization Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Hepatitis A Download a vaccine information statement with more detailed information:
Hepatitis A (hep A): This disease is different from hepatitis B. Many teens also need protection from hepatitis A disease. Do you travel outside of the United States? Do you live in a community with high rates of hepatitis A? Are you a male who has sex with other males? Do you have a clotting factor disorder or chronic liver disease? Do you inject drugs? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, talk to your doctor or nurse about your level of risk. Two shots could protect you against hepatitis A. Hepatitis B (hep B): In the United States, most cases of hepatitis B occur in teens and young adults. One in twenty Americans will contract hepatitis B at some point in their lives. Hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage and death. This disease can be prevented with 3 shots, given over 4-6 months. If you are between 11 and 19, you need 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine if you have not already received them. See Hepatitis B Facts for Teens for more information. Influenza (flu shot): Do you have a chronic health problem, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or others? More than 8 million American children and adolescents do. If you are one of them, you may need a yearly flu shot. Flu shots are recommended every fall for many people with chronic diseases, for those who want to avoid getting the flu and for seniors. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): The MMR shot can prevent all three of these diseases. Measles is especially contagious and can spread quickly in places like schools. Although many teens received one MMR before starting school, it is important that all teens have 2 measles-containing shots. Check with your parent or health care provider to make sure you received the 2nd shot. Pneumococcal disease ("pneumonia shot"): Do you have a chronic health condition? Check with your doctor or nurse to see if you are one of the 340,000 Americans between ages 2-18 who should receive a pneumococcal shot. Tetanus and diphtheria (Td booster): This is another shot that can knock out 2 diseases at once. All teens need a booster dose of Td between the ages of 11-16 (as long as it has been 5 years since your last dose). After that, you will need to get a Td booster every 10 years. Ask your parent or grandparent; they may be due for their Td shot, too! Varicella (chickenpox): If you have never had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated, you should be vaccinated now. Although chickenpox is usually considered a mild childhood disease, it is more dangerous when contracted as a teen or adult and can cause serious complications. Children 12 years and under need one shot. Persons 13 years and older need two shots. |
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