by Immunize Kansas Coalition & Dr. Gretchen Homan (IKC Chair Elect)
(continued from Kansan Pediatrician eNewsletter, August 2018)
Key Vaccines for Teens/Preteens
Tdap Vaccine
This vaccine helps protect against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Preteens should get Tdap at age 11 or 12.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Preteens need the first meningococcal shot when they are 11 or 12 years old. They need a second meningococcal shot at age 16. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends permissive use of meningococcal serogroup B vaccine for ages 16-23, with a preferred age of 16-18. This recommendation joins the long-standing recommendation that all adolescents get meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine at age 11-12 with a booster dose at 16.
HPV Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines protect both girls and boys. Many parents aren’t aware that boys can be infected. Preteens 11 or 12-year-olds should receive their first dose with a second dose 6months later. Remember if they start the vaccine on or after their 15th birthday they will need 3 doses of vaccine.
Flu Vaccine
An annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent infection or at least lessen the severity of the flu. While all preteens and teens should get a flu vaccine, it’s especially important for those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
Full Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices Preteen/Teen schedule can be found here https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/preteen-teen.html. Moreover, ACIP minimum age and interval schedules can be found here https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/A/age-interval-table.pdf
Standing Orders Can help improve vaccination rates
Using standing orders for vaccination in your medical practice allows appropriately trained healthcare professionals – who are permitted to do so under state law – to assess a patient’s need for vaccination, determine if there are contraindications and precautions, and then to administer vaccine without obtaining an individual physician’s written order.
Numerous studies have shown that standing orders, carried out by nurses or other qualified healthcare professionals, are one of the most consistently effective means for increasing vaccination rates and reducing missed opportunities for vaccination, thereby improving quality of care.
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the use of standing orders to increase adult vaccination rates. Standing orders may also be useful when vaccinating children and teens. Immunize Action Coalition has sample templates and resources for standing orders http://www.immunize.org/standing-orders/
Additional Information & Resources:
