Most parents are familiar with the need to immunize their children as babies, but what about protection for adolescents? Not only are there vaccination for teens, they can prove just as life saving as those provided to babies.
Continued immunization is not always recognized for adolescents who need, for example, booster shots for continued protection from early childhood diseases. Some adolescents were born before the current regimen of vaccination was established.
Adolescence is the time for boosters and for new protections now available. Vaccines recommended for youth include HPV, influenza, meningitis, boosters for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and hepatitis B.
Human papillomavirus, HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is known to infect three of four sexually active women during their lives. HPV is spread with sexual contact and is one cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. Fortunately, since 2006 a vaccine effective against the most common strains of HPV has been available.
The vaccine, Gardasil, is most effective if provided to girls before the commencement of sexual activity, before they could have been exposed to HPV. While the vaccine will not treat HPV infection, it can prevent most from occurring in the first place.
Though ideally given before sexual activity begins, Gardasil is still recommended after commencement as exposure to HPV may not have occurred yet, or not to the strain protected against.
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for teens with compromised immune systems, diabetes or lung problems. In 2009-10, the H1N1 vaccine was also made available to anyone who wanted it because of its potential seriousness.
Meningitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Since 2006, a vaccine has been approved for use in Canada. It protects against four out of five common strains of the bacteria that cause meningitis.
All adolescents should get immunized around age 11 or 12. Those aged 13 to 18 who have not had it yet, should get the vaccine as soon as possible.
Hepatitis B is a disease spread by contact with bodily fluids and blood. This can be through sexual contact or sharing personal items like a toothbrush, razor or needle. The disease attacks the liver causing permanent damage and even cancer.
Youth also should get boosters to maintain or renew childhood vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Most will have been immunized as infants, but the booster is required to maintain protection.
Anyone who travels abroad, including adolescents, should also be preparing with travel vaccinations. Depending on the destination, these may even be required for entry, let alone for protection.
Vaccines have proved to be among the most effective public health tools in the past hundred years. They protect against all manner of disease, reducing the effects of disease and saving lives. Help the adolescents in your life by having them immunized in a timely manner.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for the Sea to Sky.
